The Central California Arts Showcase, a collaborative art exhibit between the Carnegie Arts Center and the Mistlin Gallery in Modesto, have selected their winners.

The judging panel selected “Strapped,” a neon and found object sculpture by Anne Pinkowski of San Leandro, as the Best of Show; it will be featured at the Carnegie Arts Center. In addition to Best of Show, two Awards of Excellence, four Awards of Distinction, four Awards of Merit and seven Honorable Mentions will be designated.  Cash awards this year total $3,500, with the Best of Show sponsored by Mistlin Honda.

Judges for the exhibition and awards were Karen Kienzle, Director, Palo Alto Arts Center; Dennis Lewis, Artist & Educator, Fresno; Ronda Schaer, Owner, RAS Galleries, Napa.

 A total of 129 works were accepted from the 375 entries. Curators from both galleries have divided the accepted works, hanging approximately half at the Mistlin Gallery and half at the Carnegie. The goal was to create the most meaningful viewing experience through comparison and juxtaposition of the works at each venue.

The exhibition includes pieces by 72 artists from throughout the greater Central California region, including Turlock, Modesto, Altaville, Ceres, Copperopolis, Coulterville, Cressey, Fairfax, Groveland, La Grange, Livermore, Mariposa, Merced, Oakdale, Oakland, Ripon, Sacramento, San Andreas, San Francisco, San Leandro, Tracy, Valley Springs, and Woodside.

The exhibit at the Carnegie will run through May 8. The Carnegie will hold a free gallery talk at 2 p.m. May 3, featuring several of the award-winning artists. Admission to the exhibit is free.