BETHEL – “Maine Barns” was the theme of the 26th annual Faye Taylor Memorial Art Show, sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society, with more than 150 entries from SAD 44 students in grades one through six.

Winning prizes for the best entries that reflected the theme in the opinion of the judges were:

Division I: first, Andrew Mills, Crescent Park School, grade 2; second, Aiden Clarke, Crescent Park School, grade two; third, Lauren Wilson, Woodstock Elementary School, grade one.

Division II: first, Justin Stearns, Crescent Park School, grade three; second, Jennalee Putnam, Andover Elementary School, grade four; third, Samantha Mallory, Crescent Park School, grade three.

Division III: first, Drew Wilson, Crescent Park School, grade five; second, Brianna Fulton, Crescent Park School, grade five; third, Katie Blaszczak, Crescent Park School, grade five.

The judges also gave special recognition to Linsey Redgate, Woodstock Elementary School, grade five, and Autumn Berry, Andover Elementary School, grade four. Judges were Tim Kavanaugh, Sandra Clement and June Abbott.

The show is held each year to encourage students to develop their conceptions of historical images, which may extend back more than 200 years. It honors a founding member of the society, Faye S. Taylor (1908-1972), who was also a local artist and possessed a strong interest in art for children.

The society’s annual St. Never’s Day brought in more than $700. Volunteers included Grace McKivergan, Jay Boschetti, Sylvia Clanton, Allan Marcotte, Allen Cressy and Annie Hastings.

The society will have a table at Academy Hall on Saturday, June 11, during the Oxford County Bicentennial Celebration, where visitors may learn more about the society and purchase books relating to the history of Oxford County.

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910 or e-mailing info@bethelhistorical.org. The web site is www.bethelhistorical.org.