STERLING — What began as a small community art show more than five decades ago has grown into one of the most respected and enduring professional art exhibitions in Kansas. The Rice County Arts Council presents the 52nd Annual Prairie Art Exhibition, a juried show that has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life.

Now in its 52nd year, the Prairie Art Exhibition is among the longest-running professional art shows in the state. Each spring, it brings together accomplished artists from across Kansas and draws visitors to the Mattson Art Gallery at Studio 96 in downtown Sterling. Over the decades, the exhibition has built a reputation for artistic excellence, thoughtful curation, and a deep commitment to supporting working artists.

This year’s exhibition will be adjudicated by Kansas artist Christina Renee Rodriguez, an award-winning multidisciplinary photographic artist based in Newton. Rodriguez is known for her innovative photographic processes and her exploration of memory, identity, and connection through layered imagery. Her work has been exhibited regionally and nationally, and she is widely respected for her thoughtful, experimental approach to the photographic medium.

Awards presented during the exhibition include Best in Show, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, as well as the Alice Mattson Award for excellence in pottery or ceramics. Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, and the Rice County Arts Council will select one artwork to be added to its permanent collection.

The exhibition is open to the public April 4 through April 18. Gallery hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1-4 p.m. weekends.