61st Annual Open Exhibition 5th May to 18th May 2013

Running for two weeks each year, the Annual Open Exhibition is a highlight of Hertford’s artistic life and attracts hundreds of visitors. Over 300 artworks are exhibited having been selected by a panel of judges from the work submitted. The 2013 Exhibition featured paintings, collage, digital images, prints, sculpture and fused glass and visitors praised the high quality and great variety of exhibits.

A review of this year's Exhibition is in preparation.

61st Open Exhibition Prizewinners

From left to right: Councillor Jane Sartin, Mayor of Hertford; June Pickard, Award winner, Mayor of Hertford Award for best 3D work; Craig Morton, Manager of Edward Mason Ltd, sponsor/donor of award for best Watercolour; Georgina Mersh, Award winner, best Watercolour; Paul Swinge, Chairman of HAS; Jean Nobel RI SWA, Award winner, Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art; Lord Laming, sponsor of Lady Laming Award; Diana Dale: Sponsor/donor of the Bill Dale Award; Kathy Burman, Award winner, Bill Dale Award; Anne McCormack RI SWA, Award winner, John Goss award for Best in Exhibition. (Photograph: Matthew McCormick)

The John Goss Prize for Best in Show Anne McCormack RI SWA 'Ed's Kitchen'	Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art Jean Noble RI SWA 'The Sun Retired'
The Bill Dale Award Kathy Burman 'Urban Evening'	The Mayor’s Award – best 3D work June Pickard 'Cirque de la Lune'
The Edward Mason Award – Best Watercolour Georgina Mersh 'Temple Church'	Visitors' Choice Award Ann Gasgoigne Cockerel II

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.