Area Show: 49 Best in Show Award Winner Exhibition

AREA SHOW: 49
Best in Show Award Winner Exhibition

Charles H. MacNider Art Museum
September 19 – November 8, 2025

The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum proudly presents a solo exhibition by Mary Ann Marreel of Osage, Iowa, winner of the Best in Show Award from Area Show: 49. Marreel received the honor for her striking charcoal drawing The Praying Man, which captivated jurors with its emotional depth, dramatic lighting, and powerful sense of mystery.

As part of her award, Marreel’s work will be featured in a special solo exhibition in the Museum’s Center Space Gallery. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience her expressive charcoal drawings, which explore human emotion and character through contrast, light, and thoughtful composition.

About The Praying Man, Marreel shared:

“Choosing the subject is the most difficult part of my process. When a subject captures my imagination, I know it is ‘the one.’ I love to draw people with character and show emotion. I draw with charcoal, which is an ideal medium for showing high contrast and dramatic lighting. This adds interest and mystery. The Praying Man engages the viewer to wonder what he is doing. Is he praying for himself or for a loved one? Is he meditating or simply looking out the window? It is for you to consider.”

Museum Hours:

• Tuesday & Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays

Image: Area Show: 49 Best in Show award winner Mary Ann Marreel of Osage, IA, The Praying Man, Charcoal Drawing.