HELEN, Ga. — The Helen Arts & Heritage Center hosted its annual 2016 Judged Art Competition Awards program recently and awarded cash, ribbons and certificates to artists whose entries were included in the top three in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pottery and fine craft.

Connie Gerdts was awarded Best in Show for her “Don’t Be Late” painting. The Award of Excellence went to Mara Joyce for “Memories.”

First place in the acrylic category went to Ann Williams for “April.” Jennifer Benson captured first place in fine craft for “Breaking Through.”

Gayle Murdock’s oil painting “Bayou Light” won first place in that category. “Genesis I” Large Bowl by Sheryl M. Moore was the pottery winner and first place in the watercolor category went to Carole McCollum for “Immature Trumpet Swans.”

For a complete list and a photo gallery of all the winners, visit helenarts.org.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center will host tha annual Art-Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.at its location, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse in Helen. The event is free and the public is cordially invited.