The 44th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition of the Numurkah Rotary Club was staged in the Numurkah Town Hall from Friday 8th March to Monday 11th March.
The art exhibition displayed a variety of styles and techniques of excellent standard and was appreciated by the public during the weekend.
Rotary Club President Julie Andrew welcomed all in attendance at the official opening Friday night, to an event that promises to be a celebration of creativity, community and collaboration. Julie added that art has the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and spark meaningful conversations.
The exhibition was officially opened by Phillipa Schapper, chair GRAIN Store Nathalia. Phillipa said artists do not work in isolation, they depend on exhibitions like this to display and sell their work.
Art judge, Thel Cardwell congratulated Rotary on staging the exhibition, and announced the winners in each section.
Best in Show was awarded to Kasey Sealy for her painting “Macquarie River”. Thel commented “The river leads the eye through to the middle distance and beyond. Good tonal balance with overall harmony and balance”.
Runner Up was awarded to “Garden Reflections by Do Noble. Thel commented “A great use of colour, tonal values good and lovely colour harmony”.
Best Watercolour Ross Paterson’s “Tree and Sheep Mansfield”. “A great use of watercolour depicting the Australian landscape”.
Best Oil was awarded to “Gothic Arch, Barcelona” by Glen Hoyle. Thel commented “Lovely oil painting, depicting light and shade beautifully”.
Best Pastel “Shady Glade” by Lynda Robinson. “A simple subject with lots of impact”.
Kevin Davis Regional Artist Encouragement Award awarded to Maryann Jenkins for “Three on a log”.
CAN Hub Encouragement “Award Waiting to Work” by Jeanette Graham.
Leigh Teitz was the photographic judge and announced the following awards.
Framed Photographic Award, Shirley Colwell with “Wallaby”. Leigh commented “The author has nailed the technical aspects here and produced a tack sharp image with plenty of detail”.
Framed Photographic Award – Runner-up, went to “Morning Glory” by Joan Barker. “An engaging composition with framing elements either side”.
Digital Art Photographic Award, “Suspended #2” by Dennis Rickard. “Love the simplicity, a great example of less is more” commented Leigh.
Themed Photographic Award – A Touch of Red, Shirley Colwell with “Recap Robin”. “Very nice capture of this little bird with good feather detail, pleasing diffused light and unobtrusive background”.
Claire Reid the craft judged commented on the high standard and wide variety of craft forms in announcing the winner.
Best Craft Entry Gary Phillips with “Windsor Chair”.
Best Knitting and Crochet Justine Georges with “Looming Berries”.
Best Quilt Award Anne Boase with “Nature’s Beauty”.
Best Woodwork, Metalwork and Pottery was awarded to Gary Phillips with Windsor Chair.
Highly Commended was Heather Campbell with “Silk Thread Embroidery Bag”.
Chris Sutton, chair of the Art & Craft Committee of the Rotary Club of Numurkah said, “The club was incredibly please with the standard of work on display, the support of local sponsors and the public attendance during the weekend”.