The winners were Pedro Montalvo, for the sculpture “Optimism versus Pessimism” in wood; Talia Ore, for an untitled painting in acrylic; and Yamiset Trujillo, for the pen drawing titled “Detox.”

Honorable Mention awards went to Nick Fink, Leonardo Galban, Brian Kerr, Sarah Bein, Karen Groh, Gigi Shaheen, Marcelo Mendes, Ludwig Rosario, Irma Gutierrez, Sandor Sanchez, Maria Perez, Alejandro Valencia

The event was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Miami Dadeland Pinecrest and Miami Dade College/Kendall. For more about purchasing ceramics to help fund the next competition go to www.ceramicsforcharity.org. You can also write to ilajeanh@bellsouth.net or call 305-256-0745.

NEW ARTS BOARD

Eight North Dade residents have been named to the board of Citizens Interested in the Arts, the South Florida charitable organization that has funded cultural grants to individuals and other community-enriching institutions in the visual and performing arts for 15 years.

CIA President Lenore Toby-Simmons made the announcement. The new board members are Charlotte Brodie, Rita Ullman, Frances Adler, Sandi Jo Gordon, and Jo An Evans, all of Aventura; Carole Samet and Bonnie Whited of Miami; and Marcia Frantz of North Miami.

Since CIA was founded in 1997 by Gloria Muroff of Aventura and the late Coleen Werner, the group has awarded more than $850,000 in grants. New grants will be announced Feb. 17 at the group’s annual Grantees on Parade and Champion of the Arts luncheon, scheduled at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.

Muroff and Florence Werner will produce the event. Arts activists Robert and Florence Werner will be honored at the luncheon with the prestigious Champion of the Arts award.

Ticket information is available through Muroff at 305-932-9580 or gloria100@aol.com, and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Toby-Simmons at 305-936-050O or lenoret18@aol.com.