COURTESY PHOTO

Gene Smith, the owner and artist of Custom Art by Gene, 2015 Forest in Great Bend, reaped the rewards of entering his art in the Kansas State Fair. Smith entered four pieces in four divisions in the OZ Fine Art building. He was awarded two blue ribbons, one red ribbon and one white ribbon. He stated that all the hard work he has created by self-teaching the art media he uses has paid off by winning four ribbons. The pieces that won the ribbons are on display at his Studio/Gallery across from the Great Bend Tribune. Stop in to see the art pieces Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. or by appointment on Saturday and weekdays after 4 p.m. Call 620-797-0915 to set an appointment.