The art in the latest exhibit is the artists own favorite works, and offer a rare glimpse of what an artist considers to be the tops using their own talents.It was just last month that the society of the arts held the mega-exhibit and competition, drawing hundreds of people to the artists' reception and awards ceremony at Blanchard Community Library. About $4,000 worth of prizes were awarded by three groups: professional judges, peers and the public. Because of the art competition's longevity and the unique awards, the annual Santa Paula Art & Photography Exhibit is considered one of the most unusual shows in the state.Gunderson said the exhibit - founded in 1937 and the source of the Santa Paula Collection of art - was the most successful one ever.In addition, a record number of art was sold: “Sales were phenomenal. . .we sold 23 paintings and photographs the last I checked,” that not only brought income to the artists but also the society, which receives a portion of the sale price.Other SPSA art work is on display throughout Santa Paula: Santa Clara Valley Bank and First Western Bank, the offices of Hospice of the Santa Clara Valley, and The Mill, Ventura County's oldest business, where the SPSA Gallery is located.For more information about the Santa Paula Society of the Arts, call 525-1104.