It can't be easy for you voters, having to decide each year which of all the legions of talented artists and performers in WNC to pick as "Best of."

This year, though, you left no doubt about your hands-on -- er, hands-down favorites: the Rebelles, Asheville's sexily satirical burlesque troupe, who swept four categories and placed third in another. We contacted founder Christine DiBenedetto in Paris, where she is presumably studying (at the knees of the city's great mistresses) the fine art of baring social truths -- to ask her the secret of the Rebelles' success.

"[It's] a direct result of teamwork; we work together on all things Rebelles," DiBenedetto revealed. "It is a pleasure to work with all the women and men who collaborate on our projects."

Another sign that your appreciation for great art isn't corseted by convention is the third-place tie for Best Local Artist that went to the graffiti artist whose tag is "Ishmael."

Local Art Gallery

1. Blue Spiral
38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 251-0202

2. Woolworth Walk
5 Haywood St., downtown Asheville, 254-9234

3. New Morning Gallery
7 Boston Way, Asheville, 274-2831

Local Artist

1. Anne Vasilik
annart.vasilik.com

2. Paula Dawkins
www.jewelsthatdance.com

3. (tie) Ron Ogle and Ishmael

Local Band

1. Sons of Ralph
www.sonsofralph.com

2. Scrappy Hamilton
www.scrappyhamilton.com

3. Acoustic Syndicate
www.acousticsyndicate.com

Local Bar

1. Jack of the Wood
95 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-5445

2. Westville Pub
77 Haywood Road, West Asheville, 225-9782

3. Tressa's Downtown Jazz & Blues
28 Broadway, Asheville, 254-7072

Local Dance Group

1. The Rebelles
www.therebelles.com

2. Terpsicorps
www.terpsicorps.org

3. Ballet Warraba
www.balletwarraba.org

Local Dance Venue

1. The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 225-5851

2. Scandals
11 Grove St., Asheville, 252-2838

3. Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall
185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, 232-5800

Local Free Activity (other than Bele Chere)

1. Downtown After Five
Pack Square, Asheville, 3rd Fridays, spring and summer

2. Shindig on the Green
City/County Plaza, Saturdays at sundown, summer

3. Cinema in the Park
Pritchard Park, Asheville, Saturdays, spring and fall

Local Microbrewery Beer

1. Highland Ale
Highland Brewing Company, Asheville, www.highlandbrewing.com

2. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-1281

3. Green Man
Jack Of The Wood, 95 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-5445

Local Movie Theater

1. Fine Arts Theater
36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 232-1536

2. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-1281

3. Carmike Ten
299 Swannanoa River Road, 298-4452

Local Place to Hear Live Music

1. The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 225-5851

2. Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall
185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, 232-5800

3. Jack of the Wood
95 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-5445

Local Poet/author

1. Glenis Redmond

2. Rick Chess

3. Mendy Knott

Local Musician

1. Tyler Ramsey

2. Billy Jonas

3. (tie) Joel Underwood and Woody Wood

Local Theater Group

1. ACT
Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville, 254-1320

2. North Carolina Stage Company
33 Haywood St., Asheville, 669-4367

3. The Rebelles
www.therebelles.com

Local Independent Video Store

1. Segrof Video LTD
197 Charlotte St., Asheville, 250-9500

2. Orbit DVD Rental
783 1/2 Haywood St. (back of the Bledsoe Building), West Asheville, 251-1337

3. Broadway Video
58 Broadway, Asheville, 254-2123

Local Show

1. The Rebelles ("A More Perfect Union")
www.therebelles.com

2. Monsters of Japan
www.monstersofjapan.com

3. Ballet Warraba
www.balletwarraba.org

Locally Produced Play (past 12 months)

1. A More Perfect Union
The Rebelles

2. Proof
NC Stage Company

3. Santaland Diaries
ACT

Local Outdoor Concert Series (past 12 months)

1. Downtown After Five
Pack Square, Asheville, third Fridays, spring and summer

2. Shindig on the Green
City/County Plaza, Saturdays at sundown, summer

3. UNCA Concerts on the Quad
UNC Asheville Quad, Mondays, summer

Local Dance Performance (past 12 months)

1. The Rebelles
www.therebelles.com

2.Terpsicorps
www.terpsicorps.org

3.Ballet Warraba
www.balletwarraba.org

Winners with this symbol have been voted best in their category for the previous four or more years.