Local art works on show
With more than 150 artworks on show and a large crowd, the opening night of the Dannevirke Art Society’s 58th annual exhibition on Tuesday night was a huge success.
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said it was fantastic to see so many at the opening of the exhibition, which runs through until 4pm tomorrow at the Showgrounds on High St.
“I absolutely love art,” Collis said. “There’s nothing more joyful than watching artists grow. I know how much time, effort and love goes into your work and I wish I’d acquired artistic talent from my mother and grandmother.”
And Collis urged anyone considering purchasing an artwork to do so during the exhibition.
“It will be the cheapest here, so buy it here,” she said.
Ken Foote presented the Heather Foote Trophy, which is given in memory of his mother.
“My mother died 14 years ago and this trophy is a chance to reflect and remember her,” he said. “We keep my mother’s memory alive in our house through her paintings and that’s what art is, a living memorial.”
Lynette Morgans won the Heather Foote Trophy, awarded to the artist with less than four years experience, with Christine Moses second and Patricia Gilmore third.
Cherie Davis won the Dannevirke News Rosebowl, with Heather Neal second and Chris Bone third.
Cherie said her mother is a recognised Australian artist.
“She gave me my first set of oils when I was 10,” she said. “I’ve sold just one painting so far.”
Cherie moved to Dannevirke with her husband who took up a job here, but when he was made redundant she decided to concentrate on her art.
And although there were plenty of glowing comments about her winning piece, Lunch by the Stream, Cherie said she could see some mistakes which she wanted to correct if the large artwork didn’t sell.
However, the judges were impressed and said this year it had been difficult to choose winners because of the high quality of work entered.
Heather Neal won best in show for Boat Sheds and third place for Poppyfield. She was also placed second in the Dannevirke News Rosebowl with her Ruahines artwork.
The judges said Heather’s perspective, tonal value and light source were all well executed. Diane Clayton’s Hanging Around showed beautiful use of colour, with the alpacas well done.
Highly commended were Tania Morrison, Lighthouse, Elinor Hughes, Boulder Beach, Diane Clayton, Hidden Gems, Yvonne Elliott, Tasmania P Judith Giddens, Intrigue.