The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) proudly announces the winners of its 31st Annual Judged Show. This prestigious event, open to artists across the Lowcountry, showcased an array of exceptional talent in various artistic mediums. The winning pieces are on display at the SOBA Gallery through March 30, with an awards ceremony recently attended by more than 100 people.

Renowned watercolor artist Jan Ross served as the judge for this year’s competition. With over 40 years of experience and accolades from numerous national and international exhibitions, Ross brought a wealth of expertise to the selection process.

2025 Judged Show Award Winners
Best in Show
Tatiana Zalapskaia – Ophelia

Oil Painting
1st Place: Julia Kamenskikh – Lowcountry Boy
2nd Place: Frank Gorman – Bay Street Life
3rd Place: Murray Sease – Orange Crush
Honorable Mentions:
M. Pearl Mitzer – XOXO
Mickey Boisvert – Sisters-A Day at the Museum
Heather Wanamaker – Still Life of Finials and Flowers
Photography & Digital Art
1st Place: Stephen Lopuck – Squash Tray
2nd Place: Lindsay Pettinicchi – Sea Foam Surprise
3rd Place: Cathy Thiem – Shake Your Booty
Honorable Mention: Kendra Natter – Owl Be Waiting for You
Acrylic Painting
1st Place: Barbara Storer – Lowcountry Shoreline
2nd Place: Judith Walters – Watching
3rd Place: Margi Smith – After Spring’s Rainfall
Honorable Mention: Lauren Arsenault – Camellia Dreamin’
Watercolor Painting
1st Place: Marty Parker – Pas de Deux
2nd Place: Robin Stark – Spring’s Arrival
3rd Place: Bill Winn – A Tranquil Evening
Honorable Mention: Joanne Marois Talbot – Pause
Mixed Media & Collage
1st Place: Missy Gentile – Caterpillar Flowers
2nd Place: Angela Kleinhans – Springtime
3rd Place: Jean Macaluso – Bronze Concentric
Honorable Mention: Robin Morrissey – Following Sea
3D Art
1st Place: Laura Larranaga – Live Oak
2nd Place: Abby Machamer – Plant Harmony
3rd Place: Nick DiMona – Internal Piece
Drawing (Pencil, Colored Pencil, Pastel, Pen/Ink)
1st Place: Donna Raines – Slack Cat
2nd Place: Mary Burrell – Oh My Deer
3rd Place: Marie Camenares – A Visual Delight
Honorable Mention: Carol Iglesias – Tranquility
“This year’s Judged Show was a spectacular display of the incredible talent within our local artist community,” said SOBA President Karen Richards. “We’re honored to showcase these remarkable works and grateful to Jan Ross for lending her expertise to this year’s competition.”

The public is invited to view the exhibit at the SOBA Gallery, located at 6 Church Street, Bluffton, SC. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.sobagallery.com or call 843-757-6586.