A+Art Committee “Top of the Class” Exhibit and Opening Reception October 19

Celebrating its second year, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) "Top of the Class" exhibition will be on display at Northwest Florida State College-South Walton Campus, from October 19 – December 7.  The art exhibition features 30 new, original works by local artists. 

To launch the exhibit and announce the cash awards, the CAA is hosting an opening reception on October19, 2012 from 5 - 7 pm 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. "This has become an anticipated program for both the artists and the community," said  A+ Art Committee Chair Miffie Hollyday. "Our local artists wanted a venue to showcase their work, and the program has allowed us to offer much more. By making it a juried art show and offering cash awards, we're finding the caliber of the entries is exceptional."
 
The exhibition was judged by Cynthia Hollis, director of 621 Gallery in Tallahassee, Fla.  Hollis brings more than 30 years experience in the arts, and currently serves as an instructor with the FSU Art Department, teaching art history and studio art. Hollis holds a BFA, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, and an MAA and PhD (All but Dissertation) from Florida State University.
 
Artists submitted new, original works for judging, and Hollis selected 30 for the exhibition and juried art show. Featured artists for the 2012 exhibit include Ann Welch, Christon Anderson, Dana Rose, Donnelle Clark, Dorothy Starbuck, Emily Ellis, Heather Clements, Jean Rice, Joanna Ellington, Ken Huber, Lori Drew, Mara Viksnins, Margaret Biggs, Marvin Tweedy, Melody D. Bogle, Nancy Williams, Rebecca Perrott, Susan Alfieri, and past "Best in Show" winner Walt Foegel.
 
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), McDaniel and Associates ($250), PC Award of Excellence ($250) and The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery Award of Excellence ($250). In addition, South Walton High School art students will announce the "Students' Choice Award."
 
"We want to especially thank our award sponsors," said Hollyday. "We also want to thank our donors Frank's Cash and Carry, UPS at WaterColor, Daniel Uhlfelder, Attorney at Law and the anonymous donors who have made this show possible."

The "Top of the Class" exhibit is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm through December 7. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. on October 19, 2012. 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
 
Contact: Jennifer Steele, Executive Director, Jennifer@culturalartsalliance.com, 850.622.5970