The Arts Commission presented the Oceanside Outdoor Sculpture Competition at the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Oceanside, on Saturday, June 21. This exciting event, Oceanside’s first-ever open, juried sculpture competition, drew entries from thirty-seven regional artists, who submitted from one to three works each. Nineteen finalists were invited to display their works for hundreds of browsers of all ages on the Civic Center Concourse on a beautiful spring Oceanside day. The popular event drew compliments from residents and tourists alike, along with many requests for more sculpture events "just like this!"

Best of Show ($2,000) was awarded to Gail Pruitt’s bronze "Nothing to Wear". Second Place ($1,000) was won by Carolyn Guerra’s "Choice", which also won the People’s Choice award in public voting. Honorable Mention ($500) was awarded to Joseph Yorty’s concrete "Remains." The winning sculptures were on exhibit in the Oceanside Public Library and Courtyard through the month of August. Also on display at the special request of the judges were two more viewers’ favorites: "I’ll Fly Away" by Manuelita Brown and "The Winning Yacht" by Elon Ebanks.

The planning has begun for the 2009 Sculpture Competition. See you there!