"font-size: small;">DAPHNE,

Alabama — Bay Rivers Art Guild in Daphne hosted their

14^th Annual Juried Show reception and presented awards

to area artists on Saturday, Jan. 14. Pensacola artist and

Pensacola Christian College Fine Arts Instructor Brian Jekel judged

artwork  from across the

Gulf Coast area.

"font-size: small;">Unable to

attend the opening, Jekel wrote a letter to participants commenting

that the artwork entered in the show “has diversity, creativity and

excellence of craft, which speaks highly of the artists along the

Gulf Coast and neighboring areas.” Jekel remarked, “In judging, I

look for work that not only excels in the craft of the art, this

is, design, strong drawing, clear color sense, and unity, but also

work that compels and embraces, challenges, and invites the viewer.

I see works here that do just that. It shows maturity of having

something worthwhile to share and say to your

audience.”

"font-size: small;">BRAG’s

award prizes are among the highest in the area with more than

$2,300 presented to area artists. The Best of Show award $1,000

went to Mobile artist, V.B. “Corky” Goldman, for his watercolor

“Better Days.”

"font-size: small;">Second

Place, The Founders’ Award of $500, was presented to Marie

Nickerson of Fairhope for a watercolor “Spirit

Wings.”

"font-size: small;">Third

Place, The Rachel Thomas Award, a memorial award of $300, was won

by Kathy Harris of Pensacola for an oil painting, “Sweet

Sixteen.”

"font-size: small;">Five Merit

Awards were presented to Sarah Keller of Pensacola, Candi Richards

of Fairhope, Susie Wallace of Foley, Teresa Rogers from Pensacola

and Lynn Rios from Daphne.

"font-size: small;">Five

Honorable Mention Awards included William Morris from Mobile, Sarah

Keller, Candi Richards, Jo Patton from Fairhope and

"mso-spacerun: yes;">  Zina Stirbu of

Loxley.

"font-size: small;">The

People’s Choice award went to Kathy Harris for “Sweet

Sixteen

"font-size: small;">The public

is invited to attend the exhibit, which will hang until March 7 at

Bay Rivers Art Guild, 1704 Sixth St. in Daphne, just behind Daphne

City Hall. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through

Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.