Yvonne Miller

BEST OF SHOW FINE ARTIST AT 50TH ANNUAL NESCATUNGA ARTS FESTIVAL – Known as "Mr. Pop," James Kyzer wins Best of Show with his Pop Art. He receives the coveted top award of the festival from the visiting judge Dr. Bob Palmer at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva. Kyzer is a 35-year art teacher at Purcell. This was his first time to show his art at Nescatunga. He and Pam, his wife of 30 years, had stacks of his intriguing art with vintage pop bottles, caps, etc.., in their booth and were eager to visit. Kyzer said he started collecting pop bottles as a kid – and every little town had their own bottling company. He's carried that love with him throughout his life in the form of art. Judge Palmer selected Kyzer's framed art that features a John Wayne movie poster for "The Lonely Trail" from 1936. Kyzer incorporated an old pop bottle named "Wayne." He did this work of art in colored pencil. When discussing his award, Kyzer showed genuine surprise and was moved to tears for his recognition. The theme of his pop art is, "Every picture tells a story."