PIQUA — A Sidney artist has taken top honors in the Piqua Arts Council 2015 Fine Art Exhibit.
Maureen O’Keefe’s painting, “Selfie,” garnered the Best of Show award in the 23rd annual exhibit, on display in the Apple Tree Gallery, 405 N. Main St., Piqua, through Oct. 2.
O’Keefe also won an honorable mention for a drawing, “Tick Tock.”
Other Shelby County artists who were awarded prizes are Chloe McEldowney, of Russia, first place in Miscellaneous-Mixed Media for “Jae, Serene”; Kathy Moeller, of Sidney, third place in Water Media for “Aura of Shadow”; and Dan Knepper, of Jackson Center, second place in Water Media for “Corrine.”
The show comprises paintings, sculptures and photography by artists from as far away as Tennessee. First-place, second-place, third-place and honorable mention awards were made by juror Jason Morgan. The Piqua Public Library Purchase and Kathy Oda, Ceramics, Michelle and Thelma Anderson Outstanding Piqua Artist memorial awards were also presented. More than $4,500 in prize money was distributed during a recent gala attended by 120 guests.
John Simon provided music. Piqua Arts Council President Chris Schmiesing and Executive Director Jordan Knepper spoke at the event.
The exhibit is open to the public, free of charge. Many of the artworks are available for purchase.
