MADISON – Madison Arts Council has announced the winners in the 2017 Christmas Card Lane.

Stephanie Thompson received the “Overall Winner” honor for her artwork, “Merry and Bright.” Her design features a happy reindeer (Is that Rudolph?) with strands of Christmas lights in its antlers.

“Alabama Cotton Christmas” was voted as first place during the contest, which allowed individuals to select their favorite card. Emily Barkley painted an interesting blend of a decorated Christmas tree among cotton stalks full of white bolls, an appropriate combination for North Alabama.

Katelyn Craft received second-place for “Gingerbread House Christmas.” Craft’s work used red-brick and white paint to depict cozy cottages ready for the holidays. Icicles hang from house eaves, and gumdrop wreaths brighten the windows.

For a whimsical take on Christmastime, Miranda Hite created “Superhero Christmas” with masked and caped crusaders like Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Captain America. Hite earned third place.

Led by sponsor Judy Bagwell, students in Art Club at Discovery Middle School created “Let it Snow.” The painting shows a happy dog in a Santa cap enjoying a romp in the snow. The Discovery students received an honorable mention.

MAC believes that the arts play an essential role in the creative development of young minds, while giving an outlet for adults to appreciate the skills of residents. With MAC’s Arts in Education grant program, the organization assists local educators with donations to support in-classroom projects and programs.

Any teacher who teaches within the city limits of Madison is encouraged to apply for an Arts in Education grant. MAC opened the application process in December 2017 and will continue to accept grant applications through Jan. 15, 2018.

For more information, visit artsmadison.org.