Review of 58th Open Exhibition 1st – 15th May 2010

“A stunning, beautiful, provocative and avant-garde collection” - “Individual and refreshing art” - “Inspiring” – “So glad I didn’t miss this”

These were a few of the comments from visitors to the 58th Open Exhibition which took place during the first two weeks of May 2010. This year the Selection Committee was David Kerr, Elspeth Kemp, James Willis and John Spielman - 278 paintings, 31 sculptures, 3D and ceramics were displayed in The Cowbridge Halls – selected from submissions of over 500 works. In addition, over 14 paintings were displayed around Hertford. We would like to thank Dewing Designs, Hertfordshire Graphics, Jane Marples Florist, Vogue Hairdressers and The Woodstore for inviting us to display works in their windows. Thanks also to our sponsors, Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, for displaying paintings in Hertford and at their showrooms in Stanstead Mountfitchet.

2010 Annual Open Exhibition

Running for two weeks each year, the Annual Open Exhibition is a highlight of Hertford’s artistic life and attracts hundreds of visitors. This year’s display featured paintings, collage, digital images, prints, sculpture and fused glass and visitors praised the high quality and great variety of exhibits.

Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite exhibit – hundreds of votes were cast and this year’s winner of the Visitors Choice Prize was Deckchairs by Paul Swinge.

This year’s prizewinners

The John Goss Prize for Best in Show Sue Gay ‘She tells her love’	Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art Judith Moule ‘Red Reef’
The Bill Dale Award Maureen Batty ‘White flowers with fruit and a blue bottle’	The Edward Mason Award – Best Watercolour Margo Ward ‘Gourd House’
The Mayor’s Award – best 3D work Rodney Munday ‘St. George and the Dragon’	Visitors' Choice Paul Swinge ‘Deckchairs’

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.