ECHS Graduate Named Finalist In National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

Bill recently won 1st place for "Veteran Musicians" at the local VA in Battle Creek, MI

Max Jackson, Edmonson Voice Entertainment:
​Bill Richards, a 1986 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was recently named a finalist in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, an event which includes 51 categories in the visual arts division that range from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 100 categories in the performing arts pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama, and creative writing. 

Richards grew up in the Chalybeate community and came from a talented family. His grandparents were the late Wilbur and Melba Madison, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. It was an event he was able to attend.

Bill on the cover of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Newsletter, October 2016.

Bill presents original drawing of Brownsville General Baptist Church to Mrs. Phyllis Miller who later presented to the church.

Richards, now living in Grand Rapids, MI was recently featured on the cover of "The Artsgram," the official magazine of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

After graduating ECHS, he enrolled in the U.S. Army in 1989 where he was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA with the 24th ID(M) and deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1990-1991.

Bill's drawings only showcase a portion of his talent as he also enjoys playing several varieties of music. He credits his former high school art teacher, Mrs. Phyllis Miller for supporting his art during his four years at ECHS. 

​"Mrs. Miller has always been an inspiration to me and we keep in touch regularly on Facebook," he said."My entire family all reside pretty much in Edmonson County and were involved in music and that was enough to get me started there."

To contact Bill, send him an email by clicking here.