A Reception and Awards Presentation was Jan. 14. Pensacola artist and Pensacola Christian College Fine Arts Instructor, Brian Jekel, judged the artwork from across the Gulf Coast.

Unable to attend the reception, Jekel wrote a letter to participants commenting that the artwork entered in the show "has diversity, creativity, and excellence of craft, which speaks highly of the artists along the Gulf Coast and neighboring areas."

Jekel remarked, "In judging, I look for work that not only excels in the craft of the art, this is, design, strong drawing, clear color sense and unity, but also work that compels and embraces, challenges, and invites the viewer. I see works here that do just that. It shows maturity of having something worthwhile to share and say to your audience."

BRAG's awards are among the highest in the area with more than $2,300 presented to area artists.

The Best of Show Award of $1,000 went to Mobile artist, V.B. "Corky" Goldman, for his watercolor "Better Days." The Founders' Award of $500 was presented to Marie Nickerson of Fairhope for her watercolor "Spirit Wings." The Rachel Thomas Award of $300 was won by Kathy Harris of Pensacola for her oil painting, "Sweet Sixteen."

Five Merit Awards were presented to: Sarah Keller of Pensacola, Candi Richards of Fairhope, Susie Wallace of Foley, Teresa Rogers from Pensacola and Lynn Rios from Daphne. Five Honorable Mention Awards included: William Morris from Mobile, Sarah Keller, Candi Richards, Jo Patton from Fairhope and Zina Stirbu of Loxley.

The People's Choice Award, voted on by the reception attendees went to Kathy Harris for her painting "Sweet Sixteen."

The public is invited to enjoy this exhibit until March 7 at Bay Rivers Art Guild, 1704 6th Street, Daphne, just behind Daphne City Hall. Gallery hours are 9a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.