The Virgin Valley Artist Association’s theme for the January 2026 monthly art competition, “A Touch of Solitude,” revealed the places each of the participating local artists yearn to be. These lovely places of solitude lined the walls of the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.

Mike Argy’s unique sculpted steel and stone piece of a solo skier took Best of Show award and the Mayor’s Choice Award.

Thomas Davis’ oil painting of a lonely cabin sitting at the edge of a river won the People’s Choice and Sponsor’s Awards.

In the Dimensional Art and Art Earth’s Elements category, first place went to Whiterose Whitefeather for her lonely Native American maiden made of 1,330 screws, titled “Song of the Sun.” Second place went to Elena Ahrens’ fused glass piece, “Solitude,” depicting a beautiful pathway between trees with a solitary figure sitting at the end of the path. Honorable mentions went to Margaret Abramshe and Rita Fulmer.

In the Drawing and Sketch Category, first place went to Lynn Craven for his pyrography piece “Alone, but Close to Nature,” depicting a solitary fisherman casting his line from the middle of a river in the wilderness. Second place went to Whiterose Whitefeather for “Spirit of the Ancestor.” Honorable mention went to Susan Acree.

In the Brushed Art Category, first place went to Vicki Orgill for her imaginative watercolor depiction of “Lonely.” Second place went to Janna Worwood for her watercolor sailboat in peaceful waters, “Silent Morning.” Honorable mentions went to Floyd Johnson and Marilyn Rose.

In the Photography and Digital Art Category, first place went to Susan McPherson for her photo of a single ranch hand with his saddle and bedroll, “Under the Colorado Sky.” Second place went to Randy Bauman for his photo of a single light bulb, “Illuminated Reflection,” depicting a moonlight path on the sea. Honorable mentions went to Susan Schulz and Eric Wordal.

This month’s sponsors were Randy Bauman and Christine Picior. Attendees enjoyed wine, other beverages and appetizers and a chance to chat with the artists.