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The Expressionist Art Studio(me), was awarded a 500.00 cash prize for fine art (second place overall) among the many many participating and skilled artists attending the 33rd annual ( and largest /best ever ) Hernando county arts council arts festival the areas most prestigious event.The judge said they were looking for "something different " and a cohesive body of work ".I guess my abstract paintings met her criteria. Still can't stop smiling, shocked and happy.This is just exactly what the gallery aspect of the business needed. First place went to the excellent sculptor in the booth next to ours. This was our first arts fair competition.And our first competition in Florida since arrival late Dec 2015 I learned a lot this first time out and it will certainly be easier next time.Not counting my part of getting the work ready it was a very busy full 3 days. maybe next year we will have some energy left to "tent" again at the Blueberry festival.I heard last year 50,000 people showed up. Gave out lots of promotional materials and the booth was very popular.Even had the offer of some free help in future with the business.Got interviewed my a reporter. My picture will be in the paper.It may not have been free publicity but it certainly was cost effective.There were many inquiries about the artwork for sale and we expect to have visitors to the gallery and hear back from a fair number of new fans in the future. Happy we rented a truck the right size, happier still we didn't buy the van I thought the business needed.It would not have been big enough and we'd still be making payments. Still very busy rehanging the in-home gallery exhibition, but it seems to be coming together nicely.Expect a new video tour soon.We are bone tired ( thank you, my husband, for making this possible) Next year we will have All the art we brought out for the judge to see...then maybe, who knows.... we might get first place.I have so many new ideas.I can't stand it, I'm ready to get back to the studio but have to finish hanging the show.