It’s one of the best exhibits we’ve done so far , ” said Randy Anagnostis , executive director of the Rockville Downtown Association , describing the 47 different works of art now in the gallery at Rockville General Hospital . The current show is the largest exhibition the RDA has had since establishing the gallery a yearago .

The Fourth Artists Reception was held on Thursday , Feb . 7 , when firstplace winners in the juried exhibition in four categories – watercolors , oils , acrylics and photography – were announced , along with the best-of-show winner .

The quarterly competition , open to local Connecticut artists only , is sponsored by the Eastern Connecticut Health Network and Rockville General Hospital and coordinated by the Rockville Downtown Association , Inc . The RDA Design Committee served as jurors for the exhibit . First place in the watercolors category was awarded to local artist Elle Fagan . Russ Styles took the awards for first place for oils and for best of show . Katherine Camposeo’s artwork took first place for acrylics , and Paul Shimer won first place in the photography category .

“ I’m very pleased to have been chosen this quarter , ” said Shimer , referring to his award-winning photograph , entitled “ Martian Clouds . ” An amateur photographer , Shimer said he used 35 mm film for yearsbut has now shifted to digital photography . While a conventional darkroom for 35 mm film involves special chemicals and papers for developing pictures , Shimer said working in a “ digital darkroom” is all about learning software and being able to creatively manipulate an image to produce the desired effect .

With “ Martian Clouds , ” Shimer said he took an existing photograph of the planet Mars from the public domain , enhanced it to make it his own , and then added additional cloud effects for a composite piece . Shimer has three pieces in total on display at the gallery this quarter , and several of his photos can also be found in the Bicentennial Calendar , printed by the Reminder Press , which benefits the Vernon Education Association . He expects he will be entering future gallery competitions in the coming year.

Elle Fagan’s watercolor , entitled “ Forsythias , ” is an expression of her delight in the beautiful spring flower . She said she brings such branches inside as soon as they begin to bud and enjoys their early blooms . “ There are different styles of watercolor , depending on the effect I wish to achieve , and I use several , ” said Fagan . “‘ Forsythia ’ shows the depth and effect to be achieved by layering many transparent washes of color in varying techniques . And , of course , so many layers mean that the painting takes a longer time to complete . ”

Fagan said she has four miniatures that hang as one , but the display can be sold separately in the show . The components are entitled , “ Dogwood , ” “ Berries , ” “ Crown of Thorns” and a favorite , “ Fancy Easter Egg . ” She invites everyone to stroll through the gallery corridor to browse the artwork and get a feel for the promise of spring that is just around the corner .

“ This is very much a collaborative effort between the hospital and the RDA , ” said Donna Roy , secretary to Andrew Beck and RDA liaison . Not only does the artwork brighten up the walls of the hospital for patients and staff , but the gallery also offers a venue for local artists to show and possibly sell their work , she said .

The current exhibit will be on display through April 25 . All pieces on display are for sale , unless otherwise stated .