PENDLETON — The Pendleton Artists Society’s latest show “For The Love Of Art” came along just in time for Valentine’s Day, with those in attendance at Friday’s opening event voting the entry “Hopeless Romantic” as the People’s Choice Award winner.
Show judge Samson Hunkler announced first- through third-place winners, along with a handful of Honorable Mention and Merit Award recipients, during the opening at Gallery 119 in Pendleton.
Katie King won first place and $75 for an untitled abstract acrylic painting.
John T. Erwin won second place and $40 for his mixed media drawing “Fragile,” while Pat Thompson placed third with her acrylic work “Covid!”
Aaron McDermott won the People’s Choice Award with a heart-shaped piece; it featured a collage of candy hearts that included phrases such as “Let’s be friends” and “Over it.”
King also won an Honorable Mention for an untitled pottery piece.

Hunkler presented Honorable Mentions to Lynn Rockwell for his watercolor painting “Winter Glow” and Dennis McAshlan for his three-part series of oil works titled “Abstract
1, 2, 3.”
He also presented Merit Awards to Daniel Jones for his marker work “Clustered Industry” and Barry Gray for his acrylic painting “Sycamore Shadows.”
The show runs through March 3 at the gallery, located at 119 W. State St., Pendleton.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more details, call 765-778-0986.