Prete Wins "Think Clayton, Think Art" Contest

A watercolor named "Flipside" by local artist Janie Prete, which depicts customers talking and relaxing at the local restaurant, won the "THINK CLAYTON, THINK ART" poster contest Thursday and the $1,000 prize that comes along with it.

The poster will be on exhibition at The Clayton Center during June, along with others in the contest.

"This wonderful work of art has a romantic feel that seems to capture the spirit of a different era," said Mayor Jody McLeod, long a strong supporter of the arts in Clayton. "It brings a hint of Paris to downtown Clayton."

Prete--whose work is available at Right Angles Art Gallery and Eye of the Eagle--has exhibited in several venues, including the History Museum in Morehead City, the Maritime Museum in Beaufort and The Clayton Center. She has a permanent collection at the new Johnston County Medical Center-Clayton and Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield. She is a member of the NC Watercolor Society, the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh, the Beaufort Historical Association, the Johnston County Arts Council and Clayton Visual Arts.

She has won several awards for her art, including the Richard Zuch Watercolor award in Carteret County, as well as "Best In Show" for a watercolor depicting sea life.

The poster contest, which is sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts, is held every two years. Dan Lee won the 2009 competition with his painting, "Morning Bridge," which depicted one of the town's most beautiful scenes.