With the auspicious popping of a champagne cork, the gala awards ceremony and reception for the first Cedar Key Arts Center National Juried Exhibition commenced. The Gallery quickly filled with guests, Arts Center members and many of the artists themselves. The air was filled with exclamations of delight and surprise at the variety, expertise, and beauty of the works on display. The exhibit consists of 76 pieces, by 71 different artists, in a variety of mediums. Participants came from as far away as California and Massachusetts. Judge, Joseph J. Sabatella, with his final decisions made just prior to the show, viewed over 320 entries. Mr. Sabatella is a retired Professor of Art, and Dean Emeritus, of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Florida. Mr. Sabatella said he has always had a special place in his heart for Cedar Key, ever since he arrived in Florida from Chicago back in 1959. He congratulated the Arts Center on the professional presentation, and said, "This exhibition is outstanding". Arts Center Chairman Bob Witman, and Vice Chairman Joy Witman, took a few minutes to thank all the members and volunteers who had helped make the evening a success. From the delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared and presented by Joan Phelps's committee, to the hanging of the art works by Mike Leiner and Kris Coconis, many hands had a part in making the night an unforgettable one. Before the awards were announced, Mr. Sabatella spoke about the qualities he looks for when judging artworks in an exhibition. Aesthetic appeal is one of the main things he takes notice of, that "one-of-a-kind" work that grabs your visual attention, obscuring anything else in your field of vision. (He must have had a very difficult time choosing from the varied, innovative and masterful works at this exhibition.) The awards were presented as follows: Honorable Mention Awards
Jenny Knavel for "Scenery"
Linda Amundsen for "Sea Grapes II"
Peg Cullen for "Aunt Mabel"
Diane Dawes for "Wave Series #3"
Allison LeBaron for "Bridge of Lions"
Roger Phelps for "Butter Churns" Third Place – Patron Award
Sponsored by Paula and Stuart Winn Cheri Dunnigan for "Afternoon, Corkscrew Swamp" 
Afternoon, Corkscrew Swamp
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Second Place – the Jeanne Holley Franck Award
Sponsored by Carol and Frank Patillo Jennifer Gardner for "Avenue of Trees, Champagne"
Avenue of Trees, Champagne
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First Place – the President's Award
Sponsored by Joy and Bob Witman Betsy Gibbs for "When Evening Comes"
When Evening Comes
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Best of Show Award
Sponsored by the Cedar Key Arts Center Linda Wesner for "Autumn Galaxy"
Autumn Galaxy
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If you have never been to a juried art exhibition, or even a gallery, don't miss the opportunity to see this phenomenal presentation. The exhibit will be open to the public through March 31st at the Upstairs Gallery of the Cedar Key Arts Center (above the Keyhole on 2nd Street). | 