The Grant County Art Guild’s 29th annual Purchase Prize Exhibit opened with an overflowing crowd of participating artists and art enthusists at their Pinos Altos Art Gallery on Tuesday evening. Art was critiqued, food and good company were enjoyed and the winning artists were congratulated on their exceptional work.

Connie Thibeau’s oil painting, “Mother’s Garden,” was awarded the “Best of Show.” The other very special award, the “Tenniel Tatsch Award,” went to Patsy Teiken for her watercolor, “Remuda.” Second place in oils went to Camille Davis for “Crooked Pines.” Third place winner in oils was awarded to Kate Robertson for “Almost Bunnies.” Honorable mentions in oil paintings were given to Jane Seavers for “Clouds Over the Arroyo,” Fidel Hinojosa for his “Gila Retreat,” Jeanne Dickerson for “Approaching Storm,” Karen Danhauer for “Gila River at the Box” and Priscilla Baldwin’s “Serenity.”

In acrylic paintings’ first and second place ribbons went to Richard Knadle for “Devil Wind” and “Ginglebobs.” Third place winner in acrylics was given to Barbara Smith for “Sunrise in the Canyon.” Honorable mention was awarded to Linda Anderson for “Forsaken,” Arlene Sarkala for “Worth Two in the Bush” and Carolyn Paez for “Evening Falling on the Nun.”

Watercolor artist Patsy Teiken swept first, second and third places with her paintings “Blue Lake Bean,” “Maui Papaya” and “Remuda.” Honorable mentions in watercolor went to Barbara Kejr for “Josh Visits City of Rocks” and Audrey Goodleaf for “Mood Magenta.”

Camille Davis  won a first place ribbon in pastels for “Express Yourself.”

The annual Purchase Prize Exhibit is the largest and most anticipated show of the season for the Grant County Art Guild members. It is open to all New Mexico artists and this year drew 69 entries from 26 artists. The show will continue to be available for viewing at the Pinos Altos Art Gallery  located in the historic Hearst Church from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 5. No admission charge to see this exceptional exhibit of New Mexico art.