A field of brilliant flowers with mountains in the background will hang in the college as part of a permanent art collection for all to enjoy. The untitled piece is one of the Purchase Prize winners, which the college will purchase from student-artist Kim Joyce for $250.

Joyce, one of four winning artists, had never painted before September 2006. She took the Painting I class when another class that she wanted was filled. Her inspiration for the piece was an art book she picked up to learn more about painting that illustrated how to achieve layering.

Joyce said she was stunned to be chosen a winner. She returned to college after a 20-year hiatus, and started taking classes purely for enjoyment, “to do some things just for myself,” she said. Eventually she wants to earn an associate degree and choose a new career direction.