Annual Exhibitions 2010

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.

Click here for more details.

MEMBERS' SHOW - Date: 29th, 30th and 31st Oct 2010

Millbridge Rooms, our annual exhibition exclusively for the works by Members of the Hertford Art Society. Admission FREE. Click here for more details.

Review of Members’ Show 2009

'Knockout!' so wrote a visitor in the book. Echoed by very many other visitors, the high standard and quality of work was outstanding. 68 members submitted framed paintings, work for the browser and greetings cards. Artworks ranged from exquisite botanical illustrations, figurative images, glorious landscapes and seascapes to abstracts which engaged the imagination. Set in the centre of Hertford, the show attracted hundreds of visitors over the weekend of 30th October to 1st November and, as an annual event, is one of the highlights in Hertford’s calendar.

The John Godden Award for the best in Show chosen by the Members
"In the corner" by Sandra Edney Lynch

The Visitors' Choice Award 
"Gooseberries" by Karen Murray

The May Bennett Award for the best Still Life
"Still Life" by Valentin Bezditko

Karen Murray’s fine oil painting of ‘Gooseberries’ shows incredible detail in her work of a beautiful blue and white plate and a cluster of gooseberries. Even the tiny feet of the caterpillar can be seen.

Of the 289 visitors who voted at Hertford Art Society’s Members Show Karen’s painting received the most votes. Her reward is vouchers donated by Hertfordshire Graphics Ltd, Hertford’s art shop.

Karen Murray, Winner of Visitor's Choice, receives prize from
Rod Lewis of Hertfordshire Graphics

Enid Fairhead, Co-ordinator of the Members Show commented: “We are very grateful to Rod Lewis, Manager of Hertfordshire Graphics for his sponsorship of this prize. It is evident from the number of visitors who voted that the show continues to be a popular event in Hertford. Over 100 paintings of a high standard produced by Hertford Art Society members were on display.”

Click here for Members Show page.