A new-look Weston Art Show has opened with 312 paintings by 118 artists on display.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Organisers and the judge Dr Vicki Sienczuk have praised the quality of the paintings.
Father Chris Jackson of the Anglican parish of Mt Vincent and Weston, who helped arrange the show, said organisers were very pleased with the high quality talent that had been displayed.
With valuable help from Cessnock City Council that included a grant of $3500, organiser Pam Menzies enlisted the help of artist Di Stackpool, who previously worked at Cessnock Art Gallery.
“In partnership with Towns of the Heart Inc, we believe we have ensured our art show will continue,” Father Jackson told the Mercury.
“It is important for us as a church to be engaged in community life and this art show is a great social event that brings people together,” he said.
“The Weston Art Show has such a proud and long history and it is important to see that this continues.”
Father Jackson said the art show had originally been founded by the church.
“It has now been built up through the community to become the big event it is,” he said.
The Major Award, Platypus in June by Les Elvin won the prize of $2000.
In the category Regional Art, Michele Heibel was awarded $1500 for her entry and Hugh Cross was awarded $600 in the Water Colours section.
Graham Smith, a rector’s warden in the parish, said the adjudicator had been highly impressed by the quality of entries.
He also paid tribute to entries from the schools of Kurri Kurri, Weston, Pelaw Main, Abermain and Mulbring for their participation in the Youth Section.
Weston Art Show in the Weston Civic Centre continues from 10am to 6pm until Friday and its last day is Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, when the raffle drawn. Entry is $5 for adults and children are free.