Allied Arts hosted its reception for the Oconee Artists Exhibit and the Big Click: Beyond the Lens Exhibit. Artists, photographers, and locals gathered to view the submissions and to hear the announcement of the winners.
“All of our winners but one were present to receive their awards. They all did an amazing job,” said Kristin Allen, program coordinator for Allied Arts. Executive Director Rebekah Tobar added, “Each year we select a judge to pick the winners because we are always astounded by the wonderful submissions and the time and dedication put into each. We’d have a hard time picking a winner ourselves.”
Curator of the Macon Arts Alliance Sierra Bush was the judge of this year’s event. Bush is an alum of Georgia College & State University (class of 2019) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art with a concentration in graphic design. During her time at Georgia College, she studied traditional painting and printmaking. She has worked at the Alliance since 2020 and currently resides in Macon.
“While Sierra could not make it tonight, she wanted to congratulate everyone on their hard work,” said Tobar.
In the Oconee Artists Exhibit, Andrzej Sikorski won first place with “Ever Leaves,” Dana Wiggins-Thomspon won second place with “Underwater Dance,” and Robert Battle won third place with “Andy’s Barn Entrance.”
In the Big Click, Robert Jorns won first place with “Lookin’ for Trout,” Allyn Rippin won second place with an untitled photograph, and Destyn Bailey won third place with “The Journey.”
First place winners for each contest won $300, second place $200, and third place $100 while honorable mentions received a ribbon. The exhibits will be on display at the Marlor House until May 29.
“We encourage the community to come out and view the exhibits and see the winning pieces for themselves. Each submission came from an artist in the Middle Georgia area, giving every piece a touch of local heart.”