FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Spanish Fort resident Jean McKee took the “Best of Show” award for “Turquoise Bay,” an acrylic painting at the opening of the Eastern Shore Art Center’s Members’ Juried Show on March 5.

The painting depicts sailboats on the bay in vibrant blue and green hues. With the recognition, McKee was awarded a $300 cash prize.

Dr. Robert J. Bantens, retired associate professor of art history at the University of South Alabama, was this year’s judge.

“It was an honor to be asked to judge the 2010 Eastern Shore Art Association Members’ Show and a great pleasure to examine the entries, which numbered an amazing 175 pieces,” said Bantens. “The commitment of this organization to excellence in the visual arts is well-established and should be apparent to everyone.”

The opening was well attended as more than 500 patrons filled the galleries and were present for the award ceremony.

Also on display was III. MIMIC, DIVISION, INITIATIVE — Artwork by Corinna Ray, Katelyn Hancock and Merritt Milam. Ray is the granddaughter of Mary Herndon who was awarded the (acrylic) Fydella Evans Award for “Friday Night,” a subtle portrait of a reclining woman.

The (oil) Fydella Evans Award was presented to Dixie Fortis’ painting “Sunrise” and the (watercolor) Fydella Evans Award went to Kathy Sheppard Graham for “Crystal & Lace.”

Bantens said, “At times choosing the merit award and the honorable mention winners was quite difficult as there were so many very good entries in several categories, particularly the painting media (oil, acrylic and watercolor). I commend the winners and all other entrants for their creative efforts.”

Robin Fitzhugh, ESAC director, said, “With each year the quality of the Members’ Juried Show elevates to a higher level. This exhibit reflects the incredible talent of the association’s membership and provides the Art Center an opportunity to showcase the artists’ work to the public.”

The Members’ Juried Show and III. MIMIC, DIVISION, INITIATIVE will be on display at the Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St. in Fairhope through March 27.

It is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

The other winners include:

•Suzanne McKee, Nebula — “The Word,” Colored Pencil.

•Merit Award, Photography — Kristy Johnson-Snell, “Dandelion Memories.”

•Merit Award, Sculpture, Martha Andrews, “After The Bath.”

•Merit Award, Ceramics, Larry Sims, “Montana Vase.”

•Merit Award, Mixed Media, Janet St. Denis, “110 Eliott Street, West Apt. 2.”

•Merit Award, Fine Craft, Celia Dionne, “Gold Finch.”

•Honorable Mention, Watercolor, Maria Papp, “Lotus.”

•Honorable Mention, Photography, Ann Thomas, “Negotiation.”

•Honorable Mention, Acrylic, Patricia Cameron, “Nature’s Way.”

•Honorable Mention, Sculpture, Rex Turner, “Horsing Around in Driftwood.”

•Honorable Mention, Mixed Media, Melissa Smith, “Transcend.”

•Honorable Mention, Fine Craft, Judy McFee, “Crazy.”

•Honorable Mention, Graphic, Drawing, Pastel, Stanley Drobot, “Olivia’s Snowman.”

•Honorable Mention, Ceramics, Sabe Fink, “Leaf Plate.”