Area artists received two of the top three awards in this year’s Art Speaks on the Bay exhibit, which is on display through May 28 at the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews. In a juried show that included works by 86 artists from all across Virginia, the Middle Peninsula did well, garnering six of the eight cash prizes and an additional three honorable mentions.

Nearly 170 people packed the small gallery on Main Street during a reception held Saturday to announce the winners and celebrate the opening of the exhibit.

First place in two-dimensional art went to Nathan K. Pope of Dunnsville for his pastel painting with the explanatory title “Bellevue Pines after Supper.”

Dale Peterson of Hartfield received first place in three-dimensional art for his 3D Pen with ABS filament sculpture “Faith,” in which a colorful male figure attempts flight. Peterson also received an honorable mention for his fresco of an industrial site “Dignity–(West ...