Juried art exhibit raises funds for foundation

Painter Bill Denham recently took first place in the 2008 Orange County Artist Juried Exhibition for his oil painting “Newport Back Bay Low Tide.”

The exhibition last weekend at Newport Beach Central Library featured 225 entries from 75 local artists ranging from painting, sculpture, photography and jewelry — a record number of entries for the event, which has been held each spring for more than 20 years.

Other award winners include Narek Bagdagulyan, second, for his sculpture “Ancient Bath;” Wendell Stanley, third, for his photograph, “Crystal Cove, Clearing Storm;” and Barbara Ruffini, honorable mention, for “Buenos Aires Building.” Others recognized by Judge’s Choice Awards included Nairi Bagdagulyan, Maureen Nolen, Lynn Decent, Richard Rice, Tom Ahern, Marilou Hogeboom, Gil Park, Evelyn Morris, Kay Fleirl, Bill Gallagher, Karen Luchesi and Janet Hodges.

The City Arts Commission also honored Marilou Hogeboom as the “2008 Artist Laureate.”

— Brianna Bailey