Irene Dobson was awarded Best of Show at the Artists League of the Sandhills' opening reception Sunday, June 3.

Her watercolor, titled "Bistro," was selected from 83 entries in the exhibit. The June art competition "Absolutely Art" is the only exhibit at the League that is judged by a professional art authority at which cash prizes are awarded.

Judging this exhibit was Tom Edgerton, an internationally recognized artist who resides in Greensboro.

Eileen Strickland's oil painting, "Archie," was selected as The People's Choice, based on voting by the patrons at the reception. Her painting also was awarded first place in oil in the judging competition.

Awards were also presented in six categories. The winners were: Oil, 1. Eileen Strickland, 2. Sylvia Parks, 3. Mary O.Malley; Watercolor, 1. K.C. Sorvari, 2. Pam Swarbrick, 3. Mary Ellen Warren; Acrylic, 1. Pat McMahon; Pastel, 1. Elda Hiser; Drawing, 1. Barbara Sickenberger; and Other Media, 1. Pam Griner.

Honorable mention awards were presented to 15 artists: Jo Borthwick, Mary Bryson, Andrea Campbell, Betty DiBartolomeo, Patricia Evans, Janet Garber, Sharon Granito, Mary Ann Halstead, Margo Matarese, Irene McFarland Knox, Ulli Misegades, Loretta Moskal, Mary O'Malley, Sylvia Parks and Emma Wilson.

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.