14th Members’ Show 2011

VISITORS' CHOICE AWARD
won by Paul Swinge for 'Early Start'.

Once again Hertfordshire visitors enjoyed an excellent display of our very high standard of talent at the Millbridge Rooms, Millbridge, Hertford. From a tentative experiment last year our 3D work is now an integral and valuable addition. Likewise from a previous experiment, our professional greetings card display is now a definite success with our patrons. Many of our visitors commented enthusiastically on our standard and presentation, including praise for the music from John Moss on keyboard, adding to the warm welcome.

JOHN GODDEN AWARD - for Members' Choice
won by Sharon Wright for 'Boats at Wells'.

Awards

• Visitors’ Choice: ‘Early Start’ (Oils) by Paul Swinge. He receives a voucher from Hertfordshire Graphics for art materials.
• May Bennett award (Best Still Life): ‘Tulips at Marian’s’ (Oils) by Sandra Edney-Lynch.
• John Godden award (Members’ Choice): ‘Boats at Wells’ (Oils) by Sharon Wright.
• Mark Ely Award (most Innovative Work): ‘Fiery Ravine’, a 3D piece by Nigel Earle who receives website design time and support from Mark Ely, of SG7.biz, designer of the Hertford Art Society website.

Congratulations from all of us to the winners and my thanks to Members past and present for the funding.

MAY BENNETT AWARD - for the Best Still Life
won by Sandra Edney-Lynch for ‘Tulips at Marian’s’.

Two further special thanks: firstly to Rod Lewis of Hertfordshire Graphics. For 14 years he has generously sponsored our show with a generous prize of art materials and even in these hard times has continued do so. Members and visitors to Hertford are encouraged to frequent his shop at 6 St Andrew Street.

Secondly to our two young people who for the third year running have valiantly carried our banners around town for 4 hours on the Saturday. Many people tell us that the sight of them prompted their visit.

Lastly very many thanks to all those who gave time and effort to get the show on the road.

Enid Fairhead,
Manager of the Members’ show

MARK ELY AWARD - for the most innovative/intriguing work.
won by Nigel Earle for 'Fiery Ravine'.

Click here for report of the 2011 Members' Show

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.