_DSC0044 This weekend, I visited the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival to see the current work of a number of colleagues and find new treasures as well. Each year, the festival has a juried exhibit as a feature of the show. For the second year, one of my entries has received recognition in that exhibit.

The 'competition' is formidable. I don't really see it as competition - more like 'sharing', but am always amazed at the quality of work entered by some of the best artists around: Patty Picco, Cary Jurriaans, Gary Leake, Denis Hill, Jim Patereau, Don Wodjenski, Randy Emmons and others.

This year, I've ventured into 3-D art for the first time, and decided to enter one of the new light sculptures: Savanna Afterglow. Visiting the festival and stepping into the Rec Hall, where the juried exhibit is held each year, I was stunned to see a green Honorable Mention ribbon next to my piece. Hey! That's great! FYI, Savanna Afterglow and its 'partner' Twilight Dance are 24" tall x 10" diameter and are made of steel, copper, encaustic and paper, and are lit with a single 60w candle bulb.

Last year, I was similarly surprised to learn that my large format, limited edition print Windbreak had won a First Place Blue Ribbon in the photography category.

Thanks to this year's jurors: Gordy Edberg and Toni Camarillo, and to last year's juror Robert Stahl. Finally, I can't neglect to mention the Pacific Northwest Art School and Margaret Livermore and her huge herd of volunteers who keep this show going. They manage to run the exhibit like clockwork and put on a great event each year.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to the jurors, organizers and volunteers!