Blome takes first place at state art show

     Thompson artist Marvella Blome won first place for her watercolor painting “Wonder” during the Iowa Artist 2014 State Show held May 4 in Marion. The painting of a young girl is intended to make the viewer wonder what the girl is looking at or thinking. Blome was one of several area artists who advanced to the State show after taking first place at the Regional show held in Algona on April 2. Other Regional winners included Sonja Johnson of Thompson, Mike Lavelle of Algona and Nancy Bainter of Clear Lake.