All in a Day's Work: Local Artist Wins Prize

Local artist and owner of Studio 108 in downtown Excelsior Springs, Denice Belcher took her talents to Marceline, Missouri and came back a winner. Marceline is most famously known as the boyhood home of Walt Disney, and was the model for Main Street, USA at the Disney theme parks. The small town has embraced it’s artistic legacy and holds several art themed events each year. On August 28, 2021 The North Missouri Arts Council and Missouri Valley Impressionist Society held a “Paint Marceline” event with more than $5300 in cash prizes for artists. Excelsior Springs’ own, Denice Belcher who attended the event “just for fun,” was awarded one of only eight, $500 purchase prizes from Marceline based business Nature’s Grace and Wellness owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry O’Hern.

In total, thirty-two artists participated in the “Paint Out” event that stipulated the paintings be completed in just one day and feature some historical landmark in or around Marceline. Ms. Belcher’s painting of the Disney Barn garnered her the award. According to WaltDisneyMuseum.org, “The barn in Marceline was the setting for Walt’s first venture as a showman. He dressed some of his pets and farm animals in costumes and announced the “Disney Circus” to neighborhood kids charging ten cents for admission.” Ms. Belcher was so impressed with the event she is looking into hosting a similar event here in Excelsior Springs. She says she would love for Excelsior Springs to hold a paint out contest inviting artists to celebrate our rich history.