Derrek Vaughn | The Valdosta Daily TimesArtist Zenobia Smith with her guest and friend, Kathy Courson, view art in the Spring Into Art exhibit.

VALDOSTA — If one painted the scenery of the 31st Annual Spring Into Art opening gala, a multitude of artistic expressions would line every wall met by smiling faces as they congregated with one another.

The support of the art community permeated the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Monday evening during the reception as guests from South Georgia and North Florida gathered for the winners of the yearly competition.

Hahira resident Tom C. Davis III secured the Best in Show award for his cherry wood rocking chair labeled “Inspired Sam Maloof.”

First place in the painting category went to Thomas M. Thomson of Havana, Fla., for his oil painting titled “Q.”

Suzanne Marcil of McAlpin, Fla., received top honor in the drawing/printmaking/mixed media category for the colored-pencil composition “Let’s Party.”

First place for the digital arts/photography category was obtained by Valdosta resident Lauren Jenkins for her photograph, “Delusion.”

Jenkins said the inspiration behind her submitted photography came from her desire to release feelings of anxiety and how she overcomes fear. She has participated in the exhibit for two years.

“I like seeing all of the art,” she said. “It’s just an amazing variety of art, and I like to be a part of it.”

In the sculpture/ceramics/jewelry/crafts category, Valdosta resident Dave Richards was the highest victor with his wooden piece, “Emerging Desert Sun.”

Other recognition included honorable mentions and merit awards, and Colson Printing representative Wendy Colson selected 12 artists to be featured in the company’s 2019 calendar.

First-grader Grayson Garcia from Scintilla Charter Academy was acknowledged for his cover art of the event invitations.

This year marked the second time guest Nikki McRae attended Spring Into Art, and she said she does so in an effort to support the community’s artwork.

“This is the type of event that’s bringing local artists together, and I just want to show them that people actually care about the stuff that they’re putting out, and hopefully encourage them to continue to put out artwork,” she said.

McRae was also present at the gala to support her roommate, Sarah Beth Warrender, who won second place for her photograph “Downtown Horizon.” This same photograph sold for $120.

Painter Deanna Wheeler said she has entered artwork into the competition for the past 10 years and has been chosen for Colson’s calendar four of the last six years.

“It’s a very wonderful thing, inspiration to do better each year,” she said.

Bruce Smith, chairman of the public art advisory committee, said Spring Into Art is essential for the art community because it connects art consumers to both local and regional artists.

“I think that the fact that people are here buying some of the works puts some money into the artist community, which is always a good thing,” he said. “So I think there’s a synergy that’s created from it that helps and benefits the local artists and regional artists.”

Coleman Talley Law Firm was one of the sponsors for Monday’s gala, and attorney Janelle Alleyne said the firm sponsors many Valdosta events and Spring into Art is an essential one.

“It not only brings focus into the city, but it provides an outlet for those who’re already here to showcase the things that they are able to do and their artistic capabilities to everyone in the city,” she said.

All of the art pieces will be available for viewing and purchase until June 6 in the arts center, 527 N. Patterson St. Call (229) 247-2787 for more information.

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.