HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Artists Society filled the Wall Street Place on Friday for their fifth annual Art on the Walls show.

Different types of art mediums and pieces hung on the walls ranging from nature scenes to portraits.

Whether it was watercolor, acrylic or even sculptures, brave local artists from around the area hung their pieces for the public to view.

President of the society, Ma Brown Robbins started the event after realizing Hot Springs had a lot of musical arts but not so much events that focused around artwork.

After encouraging people in her classes to showcase their works, entries started to come in.

“It’s not easy to hang something you’ve done in front of the public,” said Robbins.

This year’s show is the largest one yet and member of the Artists Society Deb Myer said the quality of work was also better than ever.

As people filed through the room voting for their favorite piece of art, food and wine was served. The live sounds of a piano player filled the building setting the mood for the event.

At 7 p.m. Robbins announced the awards as she thanked everyone for coming.

“I want to thank everyone for being here and all the beautiful artwork and entries,” said Robbins. “To me you’re a winner just for coming out and doing this because I know how hard it is to sometimes take a chance and put your work out there. I think everything you do is absolutely beautiful.”

As the awards were handed out first place in the show went to Vonnie Nuthak from Butte for her pastel painting called “Blue Waters.” The reserve in show went to Susan Arneson of Polson for her watercolor floral artwork called “Pretty in Pink.”

After the votes for the People’s Choice award were counted, there was a tie for the honor. After placing the two names in a bowl and drawing the winner, Patti Jo Thomas from Stevensville won for her oil portrait titled “Indian Girl.”

Overall, Robbins said the show was a great success and hopes to see even more artwork in the future.

Secretary Bonnie Jean Triplett explained the arts are an important part of the Hot Springs’ community.

“The arts raise our quality of life so much. It’s so good that a small community like this can do this,” said Triplett.

The Hot Springs Artists Society is a non-profit arts corporation, which supports music, art, live entertainment and other cultural events. It was established to develop the cultural, educational and creative well being of the community through sponsorship of events, workshops, and public performances.