Nearly 100 artists -- 99 to be exact -- entered 264 works of art to the annual Table Top Art Competition, which honors winners with cash prizes and reproductions of their work on placemats that will be on table tops at local restaurants in March.

From that wealth of creativity, 20 finalists were selected and unveiled at Eli Fish on Tuesday night.

There were five honorable mentions and 15 winners, with each of the 15 works of art being reproduced on placemats and the top three winners receiving cash prizes of $200, $100, $50, and a People's Choice winner receiving $100.

The top three winners were Chris Stangler,  Vanessa Loftus, and Debra Meier.  Shauna Blake won the People's Choice voting.

MaryLee Pagliaroli's mixed-media piece, "Butterfly Playtime," was awarded Best of Show at Tuesday's Third Annual Table Top Art Competition at Eli Fish Brewing.

Brian Kemp and Melissa Flint conceived of the art show three years ago, in the midst of the pandemic when galleries were closed and art shows canceled. When restaurants could open, Kemp and Flint figured they could expose the work of local artists on placemats.

The show and competition -- now with Jill Pettigrew as part of the team -- was judged by Dan Butler.

As the first-place winner, Pagliaroli received $300.

Second place, and $200, went to Margaret VanArsdale for "The Flag."  Third place and $100 was awarded to Morgan Gefell for the sculpture "Rings of Fire."

Images of the works by the three top finishers, along with honorable mentions, will be printed on placemats that restaurants can provide to diners. 

There are 36 restaurants in the community participating this year.

There were 152 artists who submitted entries.

Kemp said the Table Top show has grown beyond the expectations of its organizers.

Margaret VanArsdale with "The Flag," which was made with plastic straws.

Brian Kemp on the right.

After the awards were announced, those in attendance took a closer look at the works.

The show now consists of area artists submission of up to 3 pieces of art. All artwork submitted is featured in the virtual portion of the show that can be viewed on the worldwide web. 15 of the submitted pieces are selected by the TableTop ArtShow crew to be featured in a gallery show located on the walls of Eli Fish Brewing in Downtown Batavia. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the 1st ($200), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($50) place winners from the TableTop ArtShow pieces. There will also be a Cash Prize for the Peoples Choice Award selected from all entries: online voting will take place from March 1st - March 31st.

This March, we invite you to take part in this unique event. Visit our site to view the virtual show, visit a participating restaurant to check out the TableTop ArtShow, and/or swing by Elif Fish Brewing to view the 15 actual pieces of art.

If you're an artist or know any, please submit to the show and/or spread the word about this opportunity. Visit our Facebook (@TableTopArtShow) page or our website @ https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com/contact  

We also have sponsorship opportunities available.  Please email Brian at sales@myTshirtsEtc.com if you’re interested in sponsoring this unique event.  Sponsors will have an ad on the TableTop ArtShow, a linked logo on our website, and a logo on any swag that can be purchased through the site as well.  

If you own a restaurant and would like to take part, please send a message to Brian at sales@myTshirtsEtc.com and we can add you to the list of over 20 participating restaurants. Restaurant participation is at no cost.  We just ask that you display the TableTop ArtShow on your tabletops for the month of March.  

We would love your support as events like this do not happen without the support of our community. Thank you and Enjoy the Show! 
https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com/