The Artists League of the Sandhills opens its eighth annual art competition, "Absolutely Art," with a reception Sunday, June 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Winners for best in each category as well as best overall will be announced at 5:30 p.m.

This exhibit is the only exhibit at the League that is judged by a professional art authority at which cash prizes are awarded.

In addition, everyone attending will be asked to participate by selecting the artwork for the "People's Choice" award.

Judging this exhibit is Tom Edgerton, an internationally recognized artist who resides in Greensboro. Edgerton is a founding member of the Portrait Society of America, and is a charter member of The Portrait Institute in New York.

With a degree in studio painting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an artistic career spanning three decades, Edgerton has received more than two dozen awards for creative achievement, including recognition from the American Advertising Federation and the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.

Twice, fellow portrait artists honored him as one of ten finalists in the Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition. He also was honored with one of four special Merit Awards from the same organization.

Tom Edgerton's portraits hang in private homes, on university campuses, and in the headquarters of businesses and philanthropic foundations.

The Artists League of the Sandhills is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to promote interest in the visual arts by providing quality art education and a friendly environment in which to work and exhibit. It is located in historic downtown Aberdeen at 129 Exchange St. in the old Aberdeen Rockfish Railroad storage terminal.

Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. The exhibit will continue through June 28.

For more information about the exhibit, workshops, classes or membership, call (910) 944-3979 or visit www.artistleague.org.