Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.
Groove funky blues rock trio.
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead
Sponsored by the West Plains Arts Alliance, this event is two-fold in purpose: it is designed for all area non-profit organizations to have the opportunity to introduce/re-introduce themselves to the public, while allowing the community to see what opportunities for volunteer participation are available.
Booth space is offered to all area nonprofits free of charge. Admission is likewise free to all community members who are interested in attending the event. Pre-registration for organizations is required, and sign-up forms are available at the West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) website www.westplainsarts.org
Registration form for this event.

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.

Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.
https://kingsizebluegrass.wixsite.com/kingaizemusic
The March Divide winter tour stops to play the Yellow House Community Arts Center. Organizers say, “Jared Putnam and his post apocalyptic punk sound will fill the house with music like its never heard. Come out and support the Yellow House Community Arts and the March Divide. Live painting during this free show by Garrett Melby.”
See event on Facebook: The March Divide/live painting with Garrett Melby.
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.

The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local photographer Melissa Wharton’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor January 3 through the end of March 2023. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale describes the works, “Capturing the beauty of her surroundings, Melissa reveals a true understanding of all nature has to offer. Her photography presents an opportunity for the viewer to experience places they might not see otherwise.”
Growing up in West Plains, Wharton has always had an interest in the Ozarks mills and springs. Starting with her grandparents taking her on frequent visits to Rockbridge Mill, Wharton began photographing travel outings at a young age. This interest led her to a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. A career spanning three decades has always included roles where she can be creative.
Wharton recently won first place in the People Category in a photography contest in Terrain Magazine. The photo features Wharton’s son, Sawyer Smith, in the wheel at Turner Mill.
Her current position as tourism manager for the City of West Plains embodies all her previous work into one: graphic design, photography, writing, public relations, and retail. Being able to explore the Ozarks and capture its beauty in photos is now one of her job duties. Sharing the Ozarks with others is just a perk of the job. She is embarrassed to admit that all her photos are captured on her cell phone, but it is the years of training and the artistic eye that make the difference.
Artist Statement:
“Having grown up and lived in the West Plains area most of my life, I have always had an interest in photographing the Ozarks. Two years ago, when I was hired by the City of West Plains, this passion became a part of my job. I now have the honor to photograph and promote our beautiful area that we get to call home.
“For this show, I wanted to share some of my travels from 2022. My husband owns Bartlett Moving Services, and I am lucky enough to tag along sometimes. The show will feature a few photos of the Ozarks, but also will feature photos from a couple of moves that I went along on: Seattle and Vermont. The journey there is half the fun (especially in a moving truck).”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend to meet Wharton and view and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Ten vendors from Go Farm Farmers Market will be selling indoors at the OzSBI Pop Up Shop in Downtown West Plains starting January 9 through the end of March.
Participating vendors include:
Brassfield Farms
Falling Spring Farms – Kombucha & Fine Ferments
Foodie’s Fare
Garden Worx
JUS’ FARMIN’
Ozark Fruit Company LLC
Pure Beth
Ron’s Microgreens & More
Secret Springs Farms
Sullana Farm & Homestead
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.
Annual competition show. Free admission to the Harlin. Donations accepted.
Classis and 50s rock and more.
