Local artist Jana Whitney of Escondido was awarded a $500 McKee Figure Award for her painting “Sappho’s Daughter” at the San Diego Art Institute’s 46th annual International Awards Exhibition.

Whitney’s painting, a portrait of her daughter, was inspired by a line written by the ancient Greek poetess Sappho: “I have a beautiful child who is like golden flowers.” “The poem spoke to me about youth and my daughter,” Whitney says. “She’s right on that edge.”

Whitney’s piece was chosen from more than 1,800 entries that SDAI received from artists all over the world. The International Exhibition, which will run from May 3-June 15 in the Balboa Park gallery, The Museum of the Living Artist, is San Diego’s only all-media international competition. It was juried by Hugh Davies, the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Grand Award of $2,000 was given to Sherie Franssen of Huntington Beach, for her oil-on-canvas work titled “I Have to Learn to Speak Portuguese Before I Die, He Said.”

There will be a gala reception to kick off the exhibition at 6 p.m. May 3 at the Balboa Park House of Charm. Also honored at the reception will be Ginger Award honorees Martha M. Longnecker and Anabel L. Mintz, both San Diego residents, who are being recognized by the SDAI for their exceptional support in the advancement of the visual arts in Southern California.

— Katie Wycinsky