SANTA PAULA, CA – After careful consideration and lengthy deliberation, the three judges of the Fifth Annual Art About Agriculture exhibit, on display at both the Santa Paula Art Museum and the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum, have selected the winners. All of the 87 agriculturally-themed works in the show were considered for a variety of honors and $500.00 in prizes was awarded by judges Marla Burg, professor in Art History at Ventura College, Anne Graumlich, curator of the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum, and Meg Phelps, professor in Art History at Ventura College and museum educator at the Santa Paula Art Museum.

The judges awarded Best of Show to Chris Provenzano’s “Trabajadores”, an impressive set of carved limestone figures who welcome visitors to the exhibit at the Art Museum. Hilda Kilpatrick’s “Flower Field, Santa Paula” was determined to be the Best Thematic Representation of the show, which encourages viewers to look at agriculture and its significance in our daily lives through the eyes of artists. Awards were also given to John Krist’s “Frost Blankets on Mandarins” for Best Composition in Light and Form; Jane Clare Salvati’s “The Grapes of Cali” for Best Use of Media; and George Lockwood’s “Farm Fresh” for Best Use of Light. Honorable Mentions were also made of Michael Torres’ “Gallo #2”, Gail Pidduck’s “Goat in Field”, Sharon Weaver’s “Vineyard Afternoon”, Kay Zetlmaier’s “Sunday in Salinas”, and Karen Anable-Nichols’ “Waiting for Lunch”.

Art About Agriculture runs through March 17, 2013 at both museums, so don’t miss your chance to see the award-winning works. The Santa Paula Art Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street in Santa Paula. The Museum’s regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM. Admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and SPAM Members. For more information, contact the Art Museum at (805) 525-5554, or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org. The Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue in Santa Paula and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM. For more information about the Agriculture Museum, please call (805) 525-3100.