The Rotary Club of Numurkah’s 46th Annual Art and Craft Exhibition has wrapped up for another year with visitors coming from across the region to celebrate talent and creativity.
Cobram Anglican Grammar Students helped to create the perfect atmosphere on opening night with their musical talent.
Numurkah Rotary President Chris Hardham welcomed all those in attendance to the official opening with President of CAN Hub Jacqueline Cuijpers.
“To every artist who has entered this exhibition: thank you. Thankyou for putting your work out into the world. Thankyou for taking the courage to be seen. Thankyou for contribution to the cultural heartbeat of our community”, said Jacqueline.
In closing, Jacqueline encouraged visitors to “not only admire what you see – but to consider the role each of us plays in sustaining creativity in our region. Consider buying a piece. Enoucrage an Artist. Come along to the Library Gallery opening. Come along to theatre shows, workshops, live music. Support the next exhibition. Have a conversation about what moves you. Because when art is visible and accessible, it doesn’t just nurture creativity in each of us 0 it shapes the story of who we are together”.
Art Judge Joan Erikson announced the winners for the section, reflecting on the difficulty of picking award winners with such amazing exhibits.
Best in Show was award to “A Swim on a Hot Day” by Nina Volk. Joan noted that this painting is a favourite Aussie pastime - “Nina has made excellent use of light and shade, warm and cool punctuated with pops of colour. The focus is on the family group – mum on the bank, dad and kids enjoying the cool water. In the foreground the rich tones of the colours in the water and the bank, along with interesting figures hold your focus. Going back, the tones cool down to give the painting depth”.
Runner-up was awarded to “Nature’s Embrace” by Annette Mayman. “Annette has created a decorative acrylic painting which also has depth. She has used a variety of textures, along with pops of colour and boldly rendered line work in this contemporary piece”.
Best Watercolour was awarded to “Morning Sink” by Dina Matel. “The blue, mauve, grey and amber hues in this painting work really well together to create a harmonious image. The cat is centre stage, beautifully rendered and unknowing – and uncaring – about being the start of the show”.
Best Pastel was awarded to “Double Dapples” by Jeanette Graham. “This is the most exquisite rendition of a pair of dapple-grey horses. They are set on the softest of back grounds which has some interest, but doesn’t attempt to overshadow the heroes of the piece”.
Best Mixed Media was awarded to “In the Spotlight” by Glenda Cornell. “What first caught my eye were the stunning colours of this mixed media piece. But look more closely and all the subtle intricacies of texturing and layering emerges”.
Best Oil was awarded to “Bend at Miepoll” by Ross Paterson. “I imagine sitting on the bank of this waterway in Ross Paterson’s oil painting. It is a brave blue in the water that reflects the obviously blue sky above. The broad-brush strokes show confidence in one’s artistry”.
Best Acrylic was awarded to ‘Gnarly’ by Col Brown. “There is a clever use of tone in this monochromatic acrylic piece of work. Col Brown has portrayed this tree as having been a survivor but now no more. The cragginess and the scrawny regrowth give an idea of it’s history”.
The CAN Hub Inc Encouragement Award went to ‘Murray Arvo’ by John Taylor. “Fantastic use of colour, engaging opposites on the colour wheel. Really great shadowing and depth. Loved the reflections and luminosity of the river”.
The Kevin Davis Regional Artist Encouragement Award went to ‘Sunflowers’ by John Stevens. “I enjoyed the references to Vincent Van Gogh, taking iconic elements of his work, but re-inventing them to John’s own composition. The colours are very complimentary to each other, with the added pop of the gorgeous vase”.
Photographic Judge, Leigh Teitz announced the winners in the section with the following comments.
‘Farm Hand’ by Chris Filshie was awarded both the Framed Photographic Award and the Theme Photo – Portrait Character. “I think the author has really captured the character of his subject beautifully. The natural lighting here is lovely coming in from the left and creating shadow, depth and texture to the image, while also highlighting the beard and facial features. The lighting, age of the subject and the post with the hand on the chin conveys a mood and contemplation of wisdom. A deserving winner”.
Runner up Photographic Award went to ‘Flinders Island’ by Dennis Rickard. “The bright orange rocks provide a visual wow factor that instantly grabs our attention and draws us into the scene. The image portrays isolation, ruggedness and natural beauty, fitting for the location. It is a pretty simple composition that appeals to me with the lovely side -lit coastal grasses that frame the main subject and the cloudy sky providing a moody backdrop. Well done Dennis”.
The Digital Art Photographic Award went to “Born Wild” by Tanya Minotti. “Creative, original and thought provoking. Compositionally, it’s very strong with the three subjects (implied triangle) and the circular nest that really holds our attention. We are invited to explore the meaning or intent of the artist while the image evokes an element of surprise and curiosity which is what makes it interesting and a worthy winner”.
Craft Judge, Claire Reid announced the winners of the craft section, noting that it is a section that uses varying techniques and materials.
The award for Other Textiles, Fibres and Quilts was awarded to ‘Beach Buddies’ by Belinda Liggins. “A whimsical quilt that made me giggle. The use of fabrics to portray the various tones of sand was well chosen”. Highly commended in this section to Sarah Fagan for her quilt ‘Madeline, Clementine and the Hounds’.
Other Craft was awarded to Jennifer Sherrif for her Woolen Beanie – Orange Fair Isle. Highly Commended in this section was awarded to Fiona Carruthers.
Best Craft Entry was awarded to Ann Fagan for her Quilt ‘Crafted Flower Tree’. “Bright, luscious reds, pinks and blue that Ann Fagan is known for is clearly evident. Gold additions added a touch of glamour to the flowers”.
Woodwork, Metalwork and Pottery was Awarded to ‘Billie the Budgie’ by Kate Wilcock. “Detail is controlled and the pop of blossom sets and balances the piece really well”. Highly commended to Lyn Hodge with her Wirey Heart.