When the Hudgens Arts Center in Duluth reopens Tuesday, Jan. 4, after holiday break, visitors can again view works by the five finalists including the winner of a $50,000 cash prize. The Finalists Exhibition will be on display through Feb. 19.

It's a mind-expanding experience to see how artists are interpreting things in our everyday world in a creative way.

The competition for Georgia artists was conceived and funded by an anonymous foundation and generated a lot of interest because of the size of the prize. A panel of distinguished judges chose the finalists.

Gyun Hur of Atlanta was announced as the winner in November. Originally from Korea, Ms. Hur installed a labor-intensive piece consisting of disassembled silk flowers titled "She Prays Happiness" reminiscent of her mother's wedding blanket. Ms. Hur will present a lecture at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Hudgens Center on how she explores geographical and cultural identity through projects incorporating sculpture, installation, and performance art.

Also on view will be the entry by Hope Hilton of Winterville, the only finalist originally from Georgia, whose presentation focused on slavery in the United States. She will present a class for children on drawing and identifying plants at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8. Other finalists included in the exhibit are Ruth Dusseault, Scott Ingram and Jiha Moon, all of Atlanta.

"This is an edgy exhibit for the Hudgens Center, but it helps to educate people on contemporary art," said Angela Nichols, director of education and public programs at the Hudgens Center. People might not have experience with installation art, and viewing this exhibit will expand their knowledge base, she said.

"This is what a lot of artists are doing now, so the more someone learns about it, the more familiar they are (with the mediums) the more they can appreciate it," Nichols said. 

The exhibit includes a looping video slideshow of works by the 369 artists who entered the competition. More than 2,000 works were submitted.

The Hudgens Center for the Arts is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300, in the Gwinnett Arena complex.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for children, students and senior citizens. Children under 2 are admitted free. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get more information at www.thehudgens.org or by calling 770-623-6002.