Soon everyone gathered around as they announced the prizes for the exhibition. I was hoping I might win for "Excellence in Portraiture using Combined Media." Mine was one of the only portraits using combined media, so I thought I might have a chance in this category. I thought "Oh well." when they announced "Little Pirate," a beautiful encaustic painting by Judy Hilgemann.
Then the award for "Most Innovative Portrait..." they announced Kate Hansen! I couldn't believe it. There was a moment I thought my knees might give out as I accepted the award.