Review of 59th Open Exhibition - 1st-14th May 2011 - The Hertford Art Society puts on another outstanding Exhibition

From left to right: Diana Dale: sponsor/donor of the Bill Dale Award; Glanfyll Lewis: Award winner for best Abstract; Jean Noble: Award winner, John Goss award for Best in Exhibition; Geoff Bennett: Chairman of HAS; Janet Benge: Award winner, best Member's submission; Lord Salisbury: President of HAS; Ronald Maddox: Award winner, best Watercolour; Craig Morton: Manager of Edward Mason Ltd, sponsor/donor of award for best Watercolour; Emanuel Pitsiladis: Award winner, Mayor of Hertford Award for best 3D work

Left: Mayor of Hertford, Mrs Brenda Haddock presenting 3D prize to Emmanuel Pitsiladis

The Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition is widely considered to be one of the best showcases for both amateur and professional artists outside London. This year, the 59th year of the exhibition, was no exception. Every year there are over 500 submissions from a wide geographical area, not just Hertfordshire, from which only some 250 are selected. Selection is by an independent panel of judges, from both 2D and 3D works of art, in the full range of recognised contemporary media including oils, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, pastel, printmaking, linocuts, sculpture, pottery etc. Prospective buyers have the chance to purchase, at reasonable prices, works by many nationally and internationally recognised artists who regularly show at this exhibition.

Five awards are given and the winning artworks are displayed with due prominence in the exhibition:

• The John Goss Prize, awarded to the picture considered by the judges to be the ‘best in show’ was this year won by; Jean Noble for her picture ‘Dockside’ (acrylic);
• The Mayor of Hertford’s Award for the best 3D work was won by Emmanuel Pitsiladis for his work ‘Aphrodite de Mylo’ (stoneware);
• The Lady Laming Award for abstract art was won by; Glanfyll Lewis for his picture ‘Dividing Space’ (the first time digital art has won an award in this exhibition);
• The Bill Dale Award is for Hertford Art Society members only and was this year won by Janet Benge for her picture ‘A Frenzy of Flowers’ (acrylic and pencil)
• The Edward Mason Award for the most outstanding watercolour was won by Ronald Maddox PRI HonRWS HonRBA for his picture ‘Landforms, Barton Hills’.

The Cowbridge Halls is an excellent space for an exhibition such as this, and one never fails to be pleasantly surprised by the wealth of talent on display, and this year’s successful submissions did not disappoint. The paintings are always sensitively presented, and the first impression on entering the hall is of spaciousness and calm. There is no indication of the frenzy of activity and hard work that the organisers and their helpers have put in to make this show the success that it is.

59th Open Exhibition prizewinners, 2011.

The Edward Mason Award – Best Watercolour Ronald Maddox ‘Landforms, Barton Hills’	Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art Glanfyll Lewis ‘Dividing Space’
The Bill Dale Award Janet Benge ‘A Frenzy of Flowers’	The John Goss Prize for Best in Show Jean Noble ‘Dockside’
The Mayor’s Award – best 3D work Emmanuel Pitsiladis ‘Aphrodite de Mylo’	Visitors' Choice Award Heather Fitz ‘Bliss’

Open Exhibition Awards

We are grateful to our Sponsors for their Awards.

Each year the following Prizes are awarded:

1. The John Goss Award for the Best in Show, sponsored by Sworder Auctioneers of Fine Art.
2. Lady Laming Award for Best Abstract work.
3. Bill Dale Award, Best Work by an active Member.
4. The Mayor's Award, for the best 3D Work, sponsored by Hertford's Art Shop, Hertfordshire Graphics.
5. The Edward Mason Prize for the Best Water Colour, donated by Edward W Mason Ltd, Brush Makers.

"The Queen of Sheba" by Mark Gertler

In 1963 the Hertford Art Society sold a large nude painting "The Queen of Sheba" by Mark Gertler, to the Tate Gallery.

Background

The Open Exhibition is a celebrated part of the Hertfordshire art scene. Quality is maintained by a panel of three independent judges selecting from the wide range of more than 500 artworks presented by artists both amateur and professional. About half of these are accepted and shown. A number of major prizes are generously awarded by our sponsors.

The exhibition has a national reputation for showing exciting collectable artwork with many buyers returning each year to extend their investment in art.

This prestigious exhibition runs for two weeks at the beginning of May with Private Viewings, by invitation only, for collectors and patrons prior to opening to the public.

A Members’ folio illustrates more about the work of our Members, and we are pleased to take details of commissioned works and to put buyers in touch with their favoured artists.