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Friends, as of last Thursday night I have the honor of being a part of the Cinco Banderas Permanent Collection, at the Artel Gallery (@artelPensacola), in Pensacola, FL. My sincere thanks goes out to juror David Braly–the nationally recognized artist from Montgomery, AL–who voted “Gala One” to be purchased for the prestigious collection.

This is the second honor I’ve been awarded in as many months. In September, my canvas, “The Green Vase,” won Best of Show. I’ve spared you the naive, pseudo-Wordsworthian spot-of-time experience as recounted in that very first post (you can read it here), but I assure you, I am even more overwhelmed!

The founder of the Cinco Banderas Permanent Collection is Jim Kobacker. Apparently, he began the collection anonymously but eventually began engaging more with the artists to build up one of the most esteemed collections of Florida’s northwest artists. Last night I had the great pleasure and honor of meeting Jim’s daughter Kim and grand-daughter Ashley, both genuinely lovely people. I was moved by their gratefulness to the artists: while I was trying to express my gratitude to them for their gracious gift and recognition, they were thanking me!

I’m also pleased to be in the fine company of two other artists whose works were also purchased for the collection: Sally Miller and Pat Regan; and judge’s Awards were given to Thomas Groth and Donna O’Neal. Below is Suzanne Robbert, our fearless leader, during the awards ceremony.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the one person who encouraged me to get involved in Artel Gallery and submit my work, and that would be Hope Mastroianni–painter and photographer who prefers to be behind, rather than in front of a camera, hence, no picture. Thank you, Hope!

UPDATE: You can now purchase prints of  “Gala One” in my Fine Arts America collection, at http://terre-britton.fineartamerica.com/ I will be adding “Gala One” to my FAA collection, for print and canvas sales, but and it is currently on display from now until Nov. 30, at:

Artel Gallery
223 Palafox Place
Pensacola, Florida 32502
850 432-3080

I urge you to come view the show; the art is diverse and excellent. Hope to see you there!