Stunning Exhibit Opens at Arts Center

From the first moment you step foot inside the Arts Center Gallery to view the latest exhibit you realize, this is something exceptional. The artwork offered in this year's "Rock-the-Boat" show is diverse, brilliant, and provocative. It runs the gamut from classic landscapes to daring abstracts. The mediums used include wire sculpture, silk fusion, photography and collage. This is art that roars from the walls where it hangs "LOOK AT ME!!!"

The tactile abstract painting in bold sweeps of color by Tim Krueger, begs the eyes and fingers to caress its gleaming surface. Lois Benninghoff's earthy silk fusion piece called "Ancient Reflections" keeps one wondering "how did she do that?" Laughter is the essence of Janet Cook's acrylic painting "Momma's Last Halloween". Willie Smith's abstract "Bird in Paradox" is so richly layered with texture and color that it almost seems to breathe. Mike Leiner's raku piece titled "She Came Naked Near My House" reflects his skill in working with clay, and his wonderful sense of humor. Perhaps the most enigmatic piece was the life-size canvas by Matthew Davis, titled "Athazagoraphobia". People kept coming back to look at again and again, trying to understand the meaning of the words painted across its surface.

Deciding which pieces would be the winners from this eclectic body of work could not have been an easy task for exhibit Judge, Bill Bale; but choose he must – here are the winners:

First Place – Terry Hitt – for his amazing photograph "Flying Dragon".

2nd Place – Rebecca M. Gains – for the subtle watercolor "Mermaid".

3rd Place – Barbara McNamara – for the lush acrylic painting "Jungle Cats".

Honorable Mention – Chick Schwartz – for "Not Downtown Cedar Key" an intricate ceramic "painting".

The exhibit will run through the month of December at the gallery, located above the Keyhole Shop on 2nd Street. Photographs of the work can`t possibley do it justice, you need to see it for yourself!

Bird in Paradox by Willie Smith

Ancient Reflections by Lois Benninghoff - silk fusion

She Came Naked Near My House by Mike Leiner - raku clay

Barefoot in Paradise by Tim Krueger - mixed media

Athazagoraphobia by Matthew Davis - mixed media