“Top of the Class” Art Exhibition and Reception April 5

Celebrating its third year, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) "Top of the Class" exhibition will be on display at Northwest Florida State College-South Walton Campus, from April 5 to May 30. The art exhibition features 35 new, original works by local artists. To launch the exhibit and announce the cash awards, the CAA is hosting an opening reception on Friday April 5 from 5pm - 7pm at the South Walton Campus of Northwest Florida State College.

The Cultural Art Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and its A+ Art Committee created the "Top of the Class" Juried Art Exhibition to provide a forum for local artists to share their talents with the community and bring art to public places to complement public buildings and beautify public spaces.

“Artists and the community have come to anticipate this show,” said Top of the Class exhibit coordinator Betty Cork. "The show provides an opportunity for local visual artists to show their work and compete for cash prizes. It also gives the public a chance to see the high quality of artwork by our local artists.”

The juror for the show is Linda Hall, an artist and educator living and working in Tallahassee, where she teaches environmental art at Florida State University. A graduate of FSU with a MFA from the University of North Carolina, she says her main focus is the connection that we as humans have with the natural world.
 

From more than 60 works submitted, Hall selected 35 pieces for the exhibition and juried art show. From these, she will choose the award winners.

Awards will be announced at the opening reception and include the Trustmark Bank Best in Show Award ($500), The Livingston Financial Planning Award of Excellence ($250), McCullar and Company Award of Excellence ($250) and The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery Award of Excellence ($250). The WaterColor UPS Store is also a sponsor. In addition, those attending the opening will be allowed to select a “People’s Choice” award.
 

The "Top of the Class" exhibit runs from April 5 to May 30 and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. The opening reception is from 5pm to 7pm on Friday April 5. For more information, visit www.culturalartsalliance.com or call 850-622-5970.
 

About the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Inc. is the officially designated local arts agency that serves as an umbrella organization and supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County’s growth as a center for artistic and cultural excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated and community is strengthened. www.culturalartsalliance.com