It's a good thing the effigy of Mayor Miro Weinberger wasn't in the juried show at this year's Art Hop. Or, for that matter, the "Miroville" installation across Pine Street from the South End Arts and Business Association office. The mayor, assailed by many artists in the city's arts district for a perceived pro-development stance, took some heat at the Hop. But at SEABA, which puts on biggest arts festival in the state, four other individuals came away with accolades.

The juried show is a highlight of the annual Art Hop. This year more than 110 artists submitted works; 28 were accepted by juror Kathleen Cullen, a curator, art adviser and dealer from New York City.

And the winners are…
FIRST PLACE: Eleanor Lanahan, for her astonishingly detailed gouache work "Bill at Conant." Shown above, the piece depicts artist Bill Davison at work in a space he rents at Conant Metal & Light.

Coincidentally, Lanahan's partner, John Douglas, took first prize at last year's Hop for his evocative photograph, "River Mouth."

SECOND PLACE: John Brickels, for his hand-built stoneware tenement titled "Slum Landlord" (see below). Long known for his hyper-realistic buildings, cars and other structures, as well as playful robots and Mad Scientist workshops, Brickels presided over new South End digs at this year's Hop.
THIRD PLACE: Amey Radcliffe, co-owner of Burlington's Gotham City Graphics, for her witty — and functional — "Desk Chair."

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Charlotte photographer Sarah McGarghan won over the people with her striking image titled "Waiting for the Parade."