Student winners in the FBLA Halloween costume contest were a big hit at W-WCHS. They are (l-r) Graham Wolfe, Lee Thomson, Evan Harrison, and Haley Ward. Local Washington artists Laura Connely Sleighter, Katherine Stolz Barber, and Johnny Mills feature in the new exhibit and sale of art at Art Gallery La Place on the Square. The show, "Rural Georgia & the Vanishing South," will open with a reception to meet the artists from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 13. The reception is open to the public.

"I am delighted to showcase our Washington artists," Anne Jenkins, managing artist, said. "They all have wonderful and different talents and I hope everyone gives them great

works of local artists

support."

Sleighter paints in acrylics and her free, loose style is very refreshing. Her mother, Carole Connely was an artist of note in the southeast and her father Bob is also an artist and sculptor. Sleighter has inherited this talent and now she is comfortable with her own artist's "voice." Sleighter won an "Exceptional Art" award for her painting, "Good Friends," at a show in August.

Barber is a photographer and a painter. For this show her photography will be highlighted. She has an excellent "eye" and has captured points of interest from a fascinating perspective, Jenkins said.

Mills is a folk artist who started out drawing scenes of his childhood in Washington. When he was older he took a home-study art course to enhance his self-taught talent. Mills said he experiences joy making scenes come alive on canvas and seeing people enjoy his work.

The Washington artists join an impressive line-up of Georgia artists for this show. Peter Muzyka from Madison, David Siffert from Greensboro, David Boyd, Jr from Gay, Nan McGarity from Mc- Donough and Robert Battle from Milledgeville are established awardwinning artists.