For the past few years, during the month of April, Lake City, SC, turns into an art mecca for one week for Artfields. A panel of arts professionals selects several hundred works of art to be displayed in a number of venues, from galleries to boutiques, hair salons, and more. The goals are simple: add to the local economy by driving visitors to this small town, while showcasing the work of southeastern artists working in all media. And perhaps even more important, at least to these exhibiting artists, is the potential for an award: a life-changing amount of money for a working artist.

This year, more than 400 works of art were displayed and over $100,000 was awarded in prizes. We were happy to see some familiar Carolina faces among the group of winners!

Drumroll, please…and the winners are…

2016 TOP PRIZE WINNER – $50,000
Charles Clary (SC)

Charles Clary, Be Kind Rewind, handcut papers, VHS boxes

2016 JURIED PRIZE WINNER – $25,000
Brent Pafford

2016 PEOPLE’S CHOICE (3D) – $12,500
Jocelyn Chateauvert (SC)

Jocelyn Chateauvert, Invasive Species, mixed media, artist-made paper

2016 PEOPLE’S CHOICE (2D) – $12,500
Aron Belka

2016 HONORABLE MENTIONS – $1000 each

• Susie Ganch
• Heather Mae Erickson (NC)
• Brad Williams
• Colin Quashie (SC)
• Michael Logan Woodle (SC)
• Wanbli Hamilton Gamache
• Logan Tanner (SC)
• Ken Hamilton (SC)
• Tyrone Geter (SC)
• Stacey Rexrode (NC)

Congrats to all!