Elevating Art Across the State

The Best of Missouri Hands details a prize winning artist and its top programs.

BEST ON-THE-ROAD SHOW
The Columbia Art League and The Best of Missouri Hands named Lisa Hilton the first-place winner of their On the Road Show. Lisa’s winning sculpture, “Living in My Heart,” is an intricately molded heart with exposed arteries. With careful shadowing around each curve, Lisa was able to create a realistic-looking heart. Tucked inside the middle of the heart is a woman lying down and resting. Lisa, a native St. Louisan, specializes in sculpture and enjoys creating pieces that invite viewers to interpret their own meanings.

BEST OF MISSOURI HANDS OUTREACH
The Visiting Artists Program allows The Best of Missouri Hands’ juried artists to connect with aspiring artists, young and old, around the state. These juried artists often visit schools and senior centers to present their art forms and artistic processes. The Visiting Artists Program allows participants to connect with successful Missouri artists, fostering both a love and appreciation of the arts and a deeper understanding of what an artist’s life can look like. Visits from juried artists are free, and visiting details and times can be coordinated on The Best of Missouri Hands website.

BEST ART CONFERENCE
The ArtSmart conference, which is hosted annually by The Best of Missouri Hands, is a professional development conference for artists. The conference focuses on education, interaction, and encouragement with a fun environment. Activities during the conference include guest speakers, one-on-one art sessions, art raffles, silent auctions, and breaks for crafting. With over 500 Best of Missouri Hands members across the state, artists can build friendships and find creative support by attending the conference.

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This article was orginally printed in the January 2026 issue of Missouri Life.