ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The Emerging Artists Reception at the Orange Beach Art Center saw the largest turnout since the Visiting Artists Series began this year.

This highly anticipated show does not disappoint with innovative artwork by our area universities top graduating artists.

University of Florida’s Molly Bowen and Daniel Gonzalez took home the Friend’s Choice Awards; University of Mobile’s Laura Phillips won Third Place for “Tickle Spot;” University of South Alabama’s Skye Murrill won second place for “Server;” and USA’s April Hopkins won Best of Show for “Assembly.”

Each award winner received a cash prize from the Friends of the Arts Inc.

The Friends of the Arts Inc. supports the ongoing art education, camps and gallery exhibits of the Orange Beach Art Center.

This first annual Emerging Artist Exhibit was conceived as a venue for top graduating fine arts majors from area universities and colleges to exhibit together.

The idea is to provide an opportunity for the young artists to meet their peers and exchange ideas and experiences before embarking on graduate school or a professional artistic career.

For the public, this exhibit offers a rare viewing of our top emerging artists all in one setting.

This exhibit will be on display at the Orange Beach Art Center through July 15.

OBAC is located at 26389 Canal Road, just three-tenths of a mile east of Doc’s Seafood.

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, call (251) 981-8727 or visit the Web site at www.orangebeachartcenter.com.