Best in Show 2014 Gloria MatlageIn the College of the Mainland Senior Adult Program Art Exhibit, the late Grover Salsbury won second place in stained glass with the stunning piece "Horse." Larry W. Krc placed first on the paper category for his graphic drawing "Faces in the Tree."

As a gift for her first granddaughter, born weighing only 4 pounds, 3 ounces, Gloria Matlage stitched a quilt of textured prints in black, white and crimson. The striking quilt, “Adi's Blanket of Love,” won best in show in the College of the Mainland Senior Adult Program art exhibit on display at the COM Art Gallery through Aug. 21.

Matlage, who takes painting and quilting at the COM Senior Adult Program, used no pattern to create the “biscuit quilt.”

“It’s called a biscuit quilt, the way it looks like biscuits rising,” said Matlage. “It was an old-fashioned pattern. They used old stockings (to make it puff).”

COM professors Kristy Peet and George Bowes selected her quilt as best of show among the more than 100 pieces submitted for consideration in the show and for awards.

“It was unique. It stuck out in our minds,” said juror Kristy Peet, COM photography professor. “Plus, I love the texture, the fabric in bubbles.”

A total of 21 students won awards in the first COM Senior Adult Program exhibit at the COM Art Gallery.

Reda DeVries won first place in 2-D art for her Brazilian embroidery piece “Miss Charlotte.” Beverly Holmes won second with her mosaic “Mr. Toad,” and Caryl Hubert won third with her golden quilt “Gypsy Showers.”

In paper mache, Linda Cobb Huoni earned first place for her long-lashed giraffe, “Lola;” Karen Spurlock placed second for her electric-light-studded octopus, “Purple People Eater,” and Vicki Soukup received third for “Lexi, Leopard Cub.” In fused glass, Waneta Rodefield, Nancy Schrull and Barbara J. Vollmer took first, second and third, respectively.

In painting, Debra Y. Davis ranked first for her acrylic still-life “Cherry WK1,” Elaine Helm received second with her oil painting “Crotons,” and Wendy Grieger won third with her lifelike oil painting “American Eagle.”

In the paper category Larry W. Krc placed first for his graphic drawing “Faces in the Tree,” Lee Johnson claimed second with the vivid watercolor “Pretty in Pink” and Liz Wright earned third with the watercolor “Pelican.”

In photography, Doug A. Smith won first place with “Maritime Reflections,” Terry Schrull Fulmer earned second with a trio of photos, and Nancy Schrull placed third with “St. Patrick's Steeple, Galveston.”

In stained glass John VanAtta won first place with “Sand Pipers.” The late Grover Salsbury, a COM Foundation board member who died July 8, 2014, won second and third with stunning pieces “Horse” and “Deer.” His son, Randy, received his awards on his behalf.

For more information about the COM Senior Adult Program classes in art, Spanish, computers, using iPads and iPhones, and fitness, call 409-933-8226 or visit www.com.edu/ce. Fall registration begins Aug. 4 at 8 a.m.