Hertford Art Society 66th Open Exhibition 2018 - May 6th - 19th

The style of this Exhibition varies year by year. The selection of work for a place in the Exhibition is made by a panel of four eminent, practising artists who are completely independent of the Society. This year we were delighted to welcome Abel Kestevan, David Sawyer and David Ord-Kerr as judges for 2D work and Jim Brown as the judge for 3D items. The range of expertise and opinion of the judges and the wide variety of work submitted each year, ensures that each show has a unique mix of artworks. This year 145 artists submitted 562 items for consideration. 269 2D works were selected for hanging and these, together with 27 sculptures and 3D items provided visitors with a diverse, colourful and exciting 66th Open Exhibition at Cowbridge Halls.

The exhibits included etchings, lino and screen prints; digital images; oils, acrylics and watercolours; pastel, pencil, charcoal and ink; collage; 3 D works in a variety of materials. A quiz helped to keep children engaged as they searched for elusive entities. There was something for everyone: atmospheric landscapes, townscapes and seascapes, abstracts, figures busily texting, storytelling or on a busy pedestrian crossing., still life images (abundant fruits, flowers, melons and jugs), butterflies, puffins and elephants. Some works were delicate, others rich in colour and boldly executed. Many, this year were in monochrome, ranging from large pen and ink scenes to exquisite life studies in pencil. Additional works were displayed at other venues in Hertford.

Open for an entire fortnight the exhibition attracted many visitors from a wide area. Hundreds of visitors cast their votes for their favourite exhibit - the winner was Storm over NYC by Chris Hewitt. The joint runners up were The River Beane, Hartham Common by Fiona White and 42nd and Lexington by Michael Lawrence.

Thanks go to all the people who contributed in making this, the 66th Open Exhibition, such a success - it was another exciting and popular show.

Award Winners

• The John Goss Prize for the painting the judges considered best in show - 'Punk Portrait', William Carney.
• The Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art - 'Still Life', Brian Innes.
• The Bill Dale Award is chosen from works by Members who regularly support the whole of the Society's activities - 'Blue Storyteller', Marianne Dorn.
• The Mayor's Award for the best 3D work sponsored by The Arts Society East Herts - Crouching Hare', Anne Gascoigne. Commendations were awarded to Kathy Burman for “Labyrinth Echo” and to Maria-Luisa Wilkings for “TheScrum”.
• The Edward Mason Brushes Award for the best watercolour - 'Vaporetto Venice', Andy Lee.
• Visitors’ Choice Award - ‘Storm over NYC”, Chris Hewitt. The joint runners up were The River Beane, Hartham Common by Fiona White and 42nd & Lexington by Michael Lawrence.

John Goss Prize for Best in Show, William Carney, 'Punk Portrait'.

Lady Laming Award for Abstract Art, Brian Innes, 'Still Life'.

Bill Dale Award, Marianne Dorn, 'Blue Storyteller'.

The Mayor's Award – best 3D, Anne Gascoigne, 'Crouching Hare'.

Commendations were awarded for The Mayor's Award – best 3D Kathy Burman 'Labyrinth Echo'

Commendations were awarded for The Mayor's Award – best 3D Maria-Luisa Wilkings for 'TheScrum'

The Edward Mason Brushes Award – Best Watercolour, Andy Lee, 'Vaporetto Venice'.

Visitors’ Choice Award, Chris Hewitt, ‘Storm over NYC'.

Joint runners up Visitors’ Choice Award Fiona White 'The River Beane, Hartham Common'

Joint runners up Visitors’ Choice Award Michael Lawrence '42nd & Lexington'

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.