Thirty-seven artists from across the Untied States participated in this year's National Juried Exhibit at the Cedar Key Arts Center. The exhibit opened with an artists' reception on Saturday March 5th that was a "class act" in every detail. From the freshly painted gallery walls glowing with exquisite art work, to the tantalizing aromas from the Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres served up by members of the Arts Center. 
Smoke and Mirrors by Judi Krew
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Judging the event was Dr. Rebecca Martin Nagy, Director of the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville. Dr. Nagy spoke briefly on how she chose the wining artist's work, "I look for something fresh in the use of the medium". She also said a piece must hold her interest after several viewings, be intriguing and pull you into the work. It should give the viewer a sense of whimsy, create a mood, or capture an emotion Dr. Nagy narrowed the original 220 entries down to the 44 works which make up this year's exhibit. She then had to make her final choices for the top awards. The artwork this year is inventive, unique, bold and humorous. Mediums ranged from oil and acrylic to pastel and charcoal. Each work offered a unique perspective, like "Paynes Prairie's Lilies" an oil on canvas by Sumiko Davis which captured the serene beauty of a quiet pond. Or "The Banana Man" a watercolor by Alice Hansen boldly rendered in brilliant shades of yellow and red. "Downtown Waldo Florida" by David Holt an oil painting alive with rich detail and small town ambiance. "Smoke and Mirrors" an acrylic by Judi Krew that captures an everyday moment in vibrant colors and subtle humor. Choosing winners from among this talented group of artists must have been very difficult. The winners were: Grand Prize (sponsored by the Cedar Key Arts Center) - "The Kayakers" by Peg Cullen The Biennial Exhibit Prize (sponsored by Joy Witman) - "Never Again" by Phyllis Lear Merrill Lynch Award (sponsored by Edelstein, Person, Carr and Palka, Gainesville Private Client Financial Group) "Nearly Sunset" by John Sagartz The Jeanne Holley Franck Award (sponsored by Carol and Frank Patillo) Changing Sapho" by Karen Phillips Honorable Mentions: "My Mind's Eye" by Ron Haase "Pearled Water Sea" By Janet Hamrick "Corner Room" by Marc Barrett "New Growth: by Sterling Hoffmann
Special thanks, along with much applause, was given to the organizers of the reception, Joan Phelps, Martha Diaz, Kathy Fotterall and Ilse Holing. Their Mediterranean themed "Mezze" was both beautifully presented and delicious. The lavish spread included miniature spanikopita, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed grape leaves, spicy meatballs made from seasoned lamb and pastry puffs filled with smoked mullet dip. Each dish was garnished and displayed to perfection. Local restaurants owners, Jimmy Frog and Peter Stefani also contributed dishes featuring local seafood; mini crab fingers, crab dip, shrimp, scallops and stuffed clams (respectively). The exhibit will continue through April 3rd, and is open to the public without charge. The gallery is located on 2nd Street above the Keyhole shop. | 
