The first year of Art in the Park at the Dungeness River Audubon Center saw almost 1,000 visitors Aug. 14-21.

"Community response to Art in the Park has been phenomenal," said River Center director Bob Boekelheide.

Art in a Park featured 30 local artists inside the facility with art demonstrations and vendors outside.

Visitors chose driftwood artist Tuttie Peetz’s "Dancing Heron" as "best-in-show."

"The art exhibit and demonstrations are a wonderful way for visitors to see that art and nature are thriving here," said Shirley Anderson, co-chairwoman of the River Center’s Education and Outreach Committee.

The River Center initiated Art in the Park year to increase awareness and appreciation of connections between art and nature in the Dungeness River watershed, said Julie Jackson, co-organizer for the event.

"Visitors really enjoyed seeing artists painting along the river and on the (Railroad Bridge), and we hope to offer a broader range of Art in the Park activities next year," said education and outreach co-chairwoman Gretha Davis.

The Dungeness River Audubon Center, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, Sequim, can be reached at 681-4076 or www.dungenessrivercenter.org.