Lowcountry artists announced as SOBA winners
31st annual Judged Show
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) announced the winners of its 31st Annual Judged Show yesterday. This annual event, open to artists across the Lowcountry, showcases an array of 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:
- 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,” SOBA President Karen Richards said. “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 (6 Church St., Bluffton). 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 SOBAGallery.com or call 843.757.6586.
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is a vibrant nonprofit art organization that serves as the heart of the artistic community in Old Town Bluffton. SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, and community outreach programs.