Opening the Rotary Club of Numurkah 36th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition Moira Shire Mayor Cr. Gary Cleveland said the exhibition was a fabulous display.

The art judge Ross Paterson in his remarks at the opening congratulated the Rotary club on what he considered to be the longest running art exhibition in country Victoria.

 

Chris Sutton, President of the Rotary Club of Numurkah, in welcoming everyone at the official opening said: This year’s Rotary International Motto is ”Be a Gift to the World”. This event is undoubtedly a “gift” our club takes great pride in presenting to the community, and the support we have received from the community and exhibitors over its long history is inspiring and greatly appreciated.

 

Ross Paterson chose “Onions & Red Blossom Vase” by Geoffrey Smith from North Essendon as “Best in Show”. Ross commented “A very strong still-life oil, painted in the traditional manner, whereby the composition, tonal values and colour all work cohesively to attain an excellent overall result”.

 

Runner Up was “Tranquil Waters, Tallangatta” by Barbara Beasley-Southgate from Lilydale. Ross commented “A skilfully executed interpretation of landscape that encompasses both mood and subtle colour harmony”

 

Highly Commended Watercolour was awarded to “Low Tide: by Walter Magilton from Warrandyte. “A very well composed work superbly drawn and skilfully developed” were Ross’s comments.

 

Highly Commended Oil was awarded to “Toledo Spain” by Geoff Paynter from Bendigo.

Ross commented “A fascinating arrangement of shapes that are tied together very skilfully to create a seemingly complex subject – “Toledo”.

 

Highly Commended Pastel Ross chose “Beechworth Gorge” by Heather Stanmore from Cohuna. “A very exciting design, and greatly enhanced by the lively, rich technique and use of suitable colour”.

 

Highly Commended Regional Artist was won by “Gums” by Valentina Fantone from Shepparton. “An interesting concept of actually looking up at the tree – against the blue sky” were Ross’s comments.

 

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. Encouragement Award was awarded to Pam Mansfield from Cobram with “Kelpie-day off”.  Ross commented “A carefully composed painting, completed with skilful use of tone and colour to convey form and the idiosyncrasy of the subject”.

 

Photographic Award was won by “Scaly Button” by Denis Rickard of Numurkah. Ross commented “The fascinating texture involved with this photographic work is important in its success. A very simple subject which relies on unity and a technical process which works”

 

The Craft section was judged by Claire Reid who praised the diversity of the craft entries.

Fibre Threads or Beads was won by Dianne Schmidt-Turner of Shepparton with “Parliament in Session”. With Christina Tanti “Baltazar” Highly Commended.

 

Framed Needlework Award was won by Elizabeth Bosma of Surrey Hills with “Amsterdam”.

 

Quilt Award had equal first winners Sharyn Brennan of Numurkah and Fiona Carruthers of Numurkah, with “Autumn Roses”. Highly commended in this section were Margaret Andrew, Numurkah with “Thunder & Lightning” and Kim Stephens, Numurkah.

 

Art Quilt Award was won by Dianne Schmidt-Turner, Shepparton, with “Keeper of the Castle”.

 

Craft Award was awarded to Susan Varapodia, St Germains, with “Cream Jumper. Highly Commended Fiona Carruthers, Numurkah with “Purple Scarf”.

 

Upcycled Award had equal first winners, Kim Carter, Numurkah with “You Were My Cup of Tea. I Drink Coffee Now”, and Daniel Buzza, Numurkah with “Murray Goulburn Upcycled”

 

Numurkah Home Hardware sponsored “Grey Day-Echuca” by Barbara Beasley-Southgate.

Numurkah Guardian Pharmacy sponsored “Sultry Sunset” by Merrilyn Ward, Shepparton.

Numurkah Medical Centre sponsored “Noble Dragon” by Di Huggins, Kangaroo Flat.

Strathmerton drilling sponsored

Numurkah Bakery sponsored “Drovers Turnout” by Pamela Mansfield, Cobram.

Doug Larkin refrigeration sponsored “Hibiscus Harmony” by Di Huggins, Kangaroo Flat.

Stephen & June Mills sponsored “A Bunch of Gumnuts” by Dawn Macdonald, Jerilderie.

Peter Cox & Sons Regional Award sponsored “Ranges Sunset” by David Hardiment, Tallygaroopna.

 

 The exhibition was well patronised during the weekend, with many favourable comments received.