I came to the South County Center for the Arts to attend a press party for South County's Travel and Tourism Council's annual photo contest. But I was totally engrossed in the old courthouse makeover.

"South County Center for the Arts is more than just an art center; it is a community center for the arts", says Susie Duke, the center's exhibit coordinator. This was not just a gallery, but an entire collection of art exhibits, film festivals, live musicals, plays, photo displays, slides, dancing classes and...

... the list can go on and on.

The renovations had been underway for quite a few years, with over a million dollars being raised over a period of ten years. There are two working floors that are more than partially complete, and the basement still houses the original working cells of this one time courthouse. The upper floor contains offices and exhibit rooms where award ceremonies usually take place. The photo exhibit event that night was on the upper floor.

The first place winner was "Hot Air Balloon on Water", by Robert Paquette. The picture was beautiful, capturing the vivid colors of the balloon, and casting a reflection on the crystal clear water, with autumn colors bursting forth in the background.

Second place went to "Dance of Peace, by David Winter. It was a display of modern art sculpture, but captured a surreal moment, by peeping through the center, and gazing upon the Towers of Narragansett.

Third place went to "Swan Family" by Catherine O'Connell. Simple, exquisite, tastefully done, of a family family of swans, out for a summer walk down a deserted country road.

One "Runner up" was particularly extraordinary, and quite appropriate for our state and nation. "Kingston Home" by Tighe Flatley, contained a beautiful country home, displaying our 13 star flag. It was the flag that caught the photographer's eye, and mine, too, as a proud American. Not only did the photo move me, but it also was able to display the quaint flavor that is so indicative of South County.

The third floor is where the musicals, film festivals, and dancing takes place. The vast ceilings and immense windows talked to my soul, as if beckoning me to perform.

Out the back entrance is one last surprise, a gift shop, that displays local artists' ware, history paraphernalia, and even some sweet treats for the ride home.

A memorable event not only for the winners, but for myself too, and one that I know I will treasure for a long, long time.

Linda Eagleson has been a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been published in local papers, anthologies, and columns, and participates in poetry slams throughout the state. Her passion for life shows in her writing.

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