Starting with the wonderful new venue in the heart of Downtown Beaufort, the 52nd Annual Spring Show is a cut above previous exhibits.  This year, the eight day show is being held in the second floor loft area of the Old Bay Marketplace at 917 Bay Street, perfect for shopping, eating and art gazing.  Once inside, the loft has been skillfully transformed into an upscale art gallery, compete with deep charcoal grey panels to accent the hanging art and professional lighting.

[caption id="attachment_10378" align="alignleft" width="144"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BestShow-Juried-Walsh-Carolina-Beach-Kids.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-10378" alt="Best in Show Juried &quot;Carolina Beach Kids&quot;" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BestShow-Juried-Walsh-Carolina-Beach-Kids-144x300.jpg" width="144" height="300" /></a> Best in Show Juried "Carolina Beach Kids"[/caption]

The art and prizes have a new twist too. Included this year was a separate juried show, judged by nationally known artist Bill Davidson of Charleston. Thirty pieces were juried into the show and the top winners were:

• Best in Show was awarded to  Patricia Walsh for her oil painting, “Carolina Beach Kids” (seen far right);

• Second Place to Audrey Montgomery for her watercolor “Lowcountry Blues”

• The Letty Lee Saville Award went to Larry Kay for his photograph, “Soft Landing.”

There is also the traditional
(non-juried) show where artists of all caliber, from the novice to the professional, can exhibit their best work of 2013. Chris Grove,  a professional artist from Charleston, selected the following art to win these awards.

• Best in Show:  Audrey Montgomery’s watercolor  titled “Restoring Lipsitz”;

• Second Place to Polly Swenson for “Vigilance”;

• Third Place to Mary Segars for “Picnic in the Park”;

• The BAA Founders Award was presented to Patricia Walsh for “Winter Marsh”

The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Saturday, March 23.  Free admission. Donations welcome. Beaufort Art Association Gallery will remain open during the show and more work by members can be seen there, as well. For more information:  www.beaufortartassociation.com or call the BAA Gallery at 521-4444.
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