Armidale judge, Geoffrey Lonergan praised the high standard of art works at the Gwydir Art Show. He felt that this exhibition was equal in quality to that of other art shows in the region.
Geoffrey Lonergan paid special tribute to the work of the winning artist of the Gwydir Art Prize. David Lake’s painting “Last Sun – White Cliffs” was described by the judge as a “hauntingly atmospheric painting” which was beautifully executed.
David Lake, an oil painter of the Australian Landscape, has been painting for thirty years, the last ten years on a professional basis. His style is uniquely his own and one that has been winning him awards and commendations since 1991. Awards include the Combined Art Societies of Sydney – Artist of the year for 2007, 2008 and 2009. He was also one of ten finalists in an International Landscape Energy Prize on three occasions.
David is a Fellow of the Royal Art Society of NSW and a member of the Oatley 101 Society of Artists. His work is held in private and municipal collections overseas including the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States of America.
David Lake’s painting will now become part of the Gwydir Shire Council’s collection.
Janette Hvistendahl’s watercolour “Vienna in late Summer” was the winner of the New England Mutual Prize. Her painting was described as a “beautifully rendered and enticing streetscape”. Janette, now a Brisbane artist, lived in the Upper Horton district when she was young.
School students’ artworks were not only of a high standard but they provided a background of colour in the Civic Centre. This year, students from three schools entered works in the Gwydir Art Show.
On Friday, organisers were pleased to welcome students from Bingara Central School. They had the opportunity to view their own entries, as well as enjoy the exhibition and to place their votes in the People’s Choice for Painting and Photographs.
The new woodwork section allowed the unique work of local entrants to be on display. A very professional Rocking Horse was much admired with more than one grandmother visualizing her grandchild in the saddle!
Barbara Leech’s delightful cards for every occasion attracted the eye of many customers.
Olive products from Olives of Beaulieu were popular as well as Mervyn Hall’s calendars and Fay Grieve’s needlework. Lisa Crispen was kept busy with sales and answering questions about her “Flame of Passion” jewellery. Her rare talent with many of her designs amazed patrons at the exhibition.
Kathryn Rorke was the judge for the photographic section, which was a very high standard. Winner of the Best Senior photo was Clarissa Barwick with “Courtney”. Kathryn showed some of her professional photographic work with a continuous slide show on Friday. She was happy to share her knowledge with interested photographers.
Guest artist, Gloria Van Weel’s wonderful collection of artworks was greatly admired by patrons. Gloria has had many exhibitions of her paintings and her love of people, animals and country scenes is obvious.
Cr Peter Pankhurst opened the 15th exhibition. Peter congratulated the organisers of the Gwydir Art Show for another successful exhibition.
After the announcement of prizewinners by MC Rick Hutton, patrons were served a delicious dinner by members of the Gwydir Art Show Committee.
