FROM STAFF REPORTS

Energen Corporation recently held it’s ninth-annual Alabama Art Competition, “The Wonders of Alabama Art,” at the Energen Plaza. Vandiver resident Gwen Gorby and Pelham resident Lynne McCain walked away as winners.

More than 150 people attended the closing reception for the competition. Guests enjoyed catering by Chef Clayton Sherrod as they browsed this year’s collection of works by local artists.

Winners of the competition were recognized by James McManus, Energen’s chief executive officer, in a check-presenting ceremony. Four artists walked away with $2,500 awards, including McCain for “Grasslands of Alabama” in the Merit Award for Non-Representational Art category and Gorby for “United We Stand” in the Energen Employee Choice Award category.

This year’s competition included a total of 183 entries. The competition highlighted Alabama artists who produce two-dimensional paintings.

Artwork collected from the competition is added to Energen’s growing Alabama Art Collection, one of the largest collections of works by living Alabama artists. Proceeds from the event support the Art Supply Fund for Birmingham City Schools.

Energen Competition is a diversified energy company that operates Alagasco, a natural gas utility, and Energen Resources, an oil and gas energy exploration company.