I attended the "Blossom Art of the Flower" show in Naples Florida.  The show was held at the Naples Art Museum and while I didn't win a prize, I surely felt like a winner having my painting hanging in such a gorgeous museum.  We weren't really allowed to take pictures in the museum but I did manage to snap a couple although they all came out very yellow.  There were over 2300 paintings from 35 countries entered in the competition, but only 100 chosen by 9 jurors.  Stephen Doherty, one of the 9 judges and the past editor of the American Artist magazine and the current editor of the new reissued Plein Air magazine announced the prizes.  A lovely artist with an English sounding accent ( she did not attend) was called by phone to let her know she had won the grand prize of $25,000. .The judges were artists, directors of botanical gardens and art museum directors.  All the artist were given two beautiful catalogs with their painting shown along with the artists description of their work and a photo of the artist.
      

The museum put on a spectacular wine and appetizer spread prior to the show opening that evening and it was packed with people coming to see the show. After the show all the artists and their guests went to an Italian restaurant where we were served dinner this time put on by the Susan K Black Foundation and the Blossom Competition.  I really am happy that I was able to attend.  I would never have traveled from Oregon to Florida to see the show had not my Sister-in- law who lives in Bradenton Florida allowed me to stay with her and to also attend and drive me the 100 miles to see the show.  Although weather wise, I could have stayed in Oregon, Florida 's weather while there was not much better then at home.  Somewhat chilly, very little sun, very windy and some rain.

In my next post I will give some history of the museum and its' founder, along with the winning entry.