This year's show, sponsored by the Springfield Arts Council, included drawings, paintings mixed media, and photographs; needlework entries included a wedding dress, veil, and even the shoes and bride's bouquet.

First place awards went to Judy Mogle for her poem, "A Choice of Distinction;" R. Alexander Dombro for a watercolor, "Elkhart Farm;" and to Carl Kamp for a photograph, "A View from the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C."

Springfield Arts Council judges awarded joint second places to Brenda Brown for her photos, "Sailing on the Nile" and "Sitting on the Edge of the World."

Third place ribbons went to Peggy Ford for her cross-stich, "Angel of Summer," and to Thomas Miller for a photograph, "The Window, Big Bend National Park, Texas 1996."

Receiving honorable mentions were Laurie Brinkmann, Dombro, Christopher Nickell, Dianne Potter and Dr. Waheeda Mani Behseen.

Tim Mabe's "Southwestern Sun Dance Clock" was selected by viewers for the People's Choice award.

Top winners from each participating agency are entered for a city-wide judging following the individual exhibits. In the city-wide show, Illinois EPA staffer Judy Mogle won second place in the poetry event with "A Choice of Distinction," and Kamp's "A View from the Lincoln Memorial,Washington, D.C.," received an honorable mention.

When not at work for the environment, Illinois EPA staffers enjoy a wide variety of creative hobbies. These items were part of the works on display recently as part of the "On My Own Time" competition sponsored by the Springfield Arts Council. Entries ranged from drawings, paintings and photographs to needlework, including a wedding dress, veil, and even the shoes and bride's bouquet.

Tim Mabe's "Southwestern Sundance Clock" was awarded the People's Choice award.