McDonough Arts opened the 2012 season with its 5th annual Juried Art Show and members reception at Winsor Gallery on Friday, January 13. A record 120+ guests enjoyed fine art and complimentary refreshments while mingling with the artists. McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland welcomed guests and shared a framed watercolor that his own grandfather painted 100 years ago, at the age of 8. The mayor also had the opportunity to view, for the first time, a painting of himself that was entered into the competition.

Mayor and Mrs. Copeland stand in front of a portrait of the mayor that was entered in the show. Mayor Copeland holds a 100-year old painting that his grandfather created at the age of 8. Special photo

   The exhibition is an annual juried show of paintings in acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor. During the event the following awards were presented by Chairman Henry County Commissioners BJ Mathis:

Best of Show ($500) - Mike England

1st place ($300) - Kay Ridge

2nd place ($200) - Hal Kilpatrick

3rd place ($100) - Alphonso Edwards

Honorable mention - Nan McGarity

Honorable mention - Karen Casciani

Mike England's painting “Gardener's Peaches” won Best in Show. Special photo

  The artwork will be on display at Winsor Gallery (34 Macon Street) through the end of February. This was the 5th annual Juried Art Show and the first in a series of exciting events McDonough Arts has planned for 2012. Next up: Spring ArtFest, set for Saturday, April 21 on the Square in McDonough. Learn more about McDonough Arts events and membership opportunities by visiting www.mcdonougharts.net.

   To see more photos from this event, go to www.henrycountytimes.com.