For the second year running, Kristopher DeBlase is the winner of the Your Choice Award for Best Local Artist.
"As someone who does not display my art regularly winning this award it means the world to me to be recognized for something that has been part of my entire life," DeBlase said. "I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue art and incorporate it into my life. I have always appreciated the talents of others, and it is an honor to be nominated alongside so much talent in our community."
DeBlase hails from Maryland and has lived in South Florida for almost a decade. He hopes one day to own his own art studio in Asheville, N.C., among the natural beauty of its mountains. As an artist, he works with various mediums but loves to "combine them in order to create different textures including pencil, pen, watercolor, acrylic, textile and clay while adding elements of surrealism. He draws his inspiration from nature.
"Art has always had the ability to draw people together and allow the viewer to truly feel even allow them to heal," he said. He is available for commissions. Prices vary based on size, materials, time and shipping where applicable.
Runner-up: Claudia Castillo
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