Art Encounter 2008 award winners announced

COURTESY PHOTO Physicians Regional Medical Center Best of Show Award winner Tom Cardamone (North Naples), "Low Tide," 2007, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 inches The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center announced the nine artists who received a total of $3,200 in cash awards during the May 9 Opening Preview Reception for "Art Encounter 2008."

Art Encounter is traditionally the Naples Art Association's most exclusive juried competition, with hundreds of highly qualified artists from across the state vying for a chance to exhibit their artwork. This year, 193 artists submitted 574 works, and 69 works by 53 artists were juried into the exhibition.

Guest juror Brian Dursum, director and chief curator of the Lowe Museum of Art at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, selected the pieces for the exhibition and the award winners. The exhibition through June 29 at the art center, 585 Park St. in downtown Naples. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 239-262- 6517.

Award winners:

Physicians Regional Medical Center Best of Show Award ($800) to Tom Cardamone of Naples

n media group Award of Excellence in Photography ($500) to Nathan Apkon of Naples

Publix Super Markets Charities Juror's Choice Award ($400) to Geoff Hamel of Lehigh Acres

Aldecor Custom Framing Award of Merit ($300) to Jeff Ripple of Naples

Award of Merit ($300) to April A. Meyette of St. Petersburg

Award of Merit ($300) to Maggie M. DeMarco of Port of the Islands

Koenig Art Emporium Honorable Mention ($200) to Dixie A. Whatley of Naples

TCA Graphics Honorable Mention ($200) to Judith M. Wood of West Palm Beach

Artisan Framers Honorable Mention ($200) to John R. Math of Jupiter