The new A.R.T. Society, a subcommittee of the Arts Council serving Martin County/Stuart hosted a very enjoyable sunset cruise October 2 and perhaps launched a new annual event.

Many spectacular photos from the "Water, Water Everywhere" contest were exhibited throughout the Island Princess, waiting for the over 100 people aboard to view and select the People's Choice Award. That award went to Benjamin Price, a Clark Advanced Learning student, for his photo of a spectacular sunrise overlooking a local dock. The eight other awards were presented to: Danielle Baron (Most Artistic), Emily Jones (Black & White), Erin Williams (Most Creative), Gabriel Toledo (Best Sunset), Madeline Brandt (Fresh Water), Sara Loomis (Youth Award), Virginia Lavish (Best Boating Scene) and Benjamin Price (Jury Award). The winning pictures will be in Martin Arts Magazine's fall issue.

The Arts Council would like to thank guitarist and vocalist Matt Manning of Vero Beach and fiddler Shane Turner for their lively, open air entertainment and the tri-chairs of the committee, David Vaina, Krissy Simoneau and Ken Baker. The event would not have been possible without the sponsors: Common Ground Research & Communications, Seacoast National Bank, Jeanette & Larry Mueller, Tammy & Jim Simoneau and Mary Houston. The proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Arts Council.