The Virgin Valley Artists Association (VVAA) hosted its August-themed competition, “The American West,” with an awards ceremony on August 22. Sponsored by Bauman Wealth Advisors, the event showcased a wide range of artwork depicting the West, from traditional pieces to a highly unusual portrait made of screws.

The Sponsor’s Choice Award went to Whiterose Whitefeather for a portrait of actor Clint Eastwood. The piece, made of 2,880 screws, was sold shortly after being hung in the gallery. Whitefeather also won first place in the Dimensional Art and Earth Elements category.

The competition’s top honor, Best of Show, was awarded to Charyn McDonnell for her photo, “Hot Shoeing.”

Mayor’s Choice was given to Kaylee Fisher for her large wood-burning piece titled “Cowgirls & Aliens,” which also won first place in the Drawing and Sketch category. Fisher, a college student, said the piece took her about a year to complete.

Other winners included:

Dimensional Arts: Rita Fulmer took second place for her tea bag art, “Symbols of the American West.” Honorable mentions went to Pam Jacobson and Scarlet Vail.

Drawing and Sketch: Joyce Redwiek won second place for her acrylic pen piece, “Southwest Style.” Honorable mentions went to Lynn Craven and Whiterose Whitefeather.

Brushed Art: First place went to Margaret Abramshe for her acrylic painting, “Boots.” “Buffalo Bill Cody,” a mixed-media piece by Phoebe Wrighter, won both second place and the People’s Choice Award. Honorable mentions went to Janna Worwood and Vanessas Temple.

Photography and Digital Art: Larry Lemieux won first place for his photo, “Almost Bulletproof.” Shirley Smith took second place for “New Boots,” and honorable mentions went to Charyn McDonnell and Shirley Smith.

The Emerging Artist Award was presented to Janna Worwood for her watercolor, “Delicate Snow.”

Guests at the event enjoyed a selection of appetizers, including meatballs.