BROOKINGS – The Brookings Arts Council recognized the winners of it 42nd annual juried Fine Arts Exhibit Aug. 2 in its Main Gallery.

Artists from across the state vied to have their works juried in and to then compete for prizes.

Geneva Costa of Sioux Falls took first place in the exhibit with her oil-on-canvas portrait titled “Divest.”

Brookings painter Meghan Peterson won second with the painting titled “The Gathering,” while Jessie Rasche of Brookings garnered third place with her oil-on-canvas work, “Breakfast in a Spring Thaw.”

Fourth place went to Sioux Falls artist Karissa Meyer with her mixed-media work titled “My Grain Brain.”

Honorable mentions went to Brandy Fenenga of Watertown for her colored pencil piece, “Sable Christmas,” and to Danna Kolbeck of Mitchell for her mixed-media work, “Divine Sun.”

Thirty-nine pieces competed for top honors.

“We are thrilled with the creativity, and the pieces met with our expectations and high standards. Our juror, Dr. Greg Blair, an associate professor of art and art history at Northern State University, had very difficult decisions to make, and he offered wonderful insight to the artists and attendees on his choices,” BAC Executive Director Heather Kuhlman said.

Cash prizes were awarded for first, second, third and fourth place at the opening reception Aug. 2 at the BAC, 524 Fourth St. in Brookings.

The exhibit is open to the public through Aug. 24. There is no admission charge.

The Brookings Arts Council is open Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 692-4177, email directorbac@swiftel.net or log onto www.BrookingsArtsCouncil.org.

Courtesy images: “Divest” by Geneva Costa of Sioux Falls, above, and “The Gathering” by Meghan Peterson of Brookings, below, took first and second place, respectively, in the 42nd annual BAC Fine Arts Exhibit.