2022 – Society’s annual judged exhibition opened on the weekend and didn’t disappoint.  Showcasing 50 fabulous paintings in four categories of Landscape, Seascape, Flora/Fauna and Still Life/Interior. The exhibition was officially opened by The Honorable Fiona Philips, MP Member for Gilmore on Sunday evening.  Ms. Philips, together with Eurobodalla Mayor Mat Hatcher and representatives of sponsoring businesses presented winning artists with their prizes and took time to view the paintings and talk with the artists and other guests.

The exhibition runs through to Monday, 3 October and visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to speak with practicing artists whilst viewing a broad variety of vibrant and colorful works of art that illustrate both the versatility of the pastel medium and the diverse scenery, animal life and history of the region. The exhibition is the final event of the River of Art festival and is open from 10am to 4pm daily until the 3^rd October.  The venue for the exhibition is Sunshine Bay Public School, which is located on Beach Road, Sunshine Bay and provides parking and easy access for visitors with restricted mobility.

Each painting in the exhibition represents the best of the society members’ recent works and illustrate the variety of effects and styles that can be achieved with pastels. “The Diver” is a beautifully painted, large-scale painting by Debra Smith and was awarded the “Best in Show” prize by the society’s guest judge Gary Laird who commented that he was instantly drawn by the symmetry, vibrancy and eye-catching content of the work.

Details of all the award-winning works are:

Best in Show:                          “The Diver”, Debra Smith

Healthy Art Award:                 “Lilies from My Field”, Lorraine Willcock

Judge’s Choice:                       “Hallo There”, Marilyn Himmelberger

Winner Landscape:                 “Desert Sky”, Sue Cochrane

2^nd Place, Landscape:              “There’s No Point Railing Against It”, Grace Paleg

Winner Seascape:                   “Not Today”, Jennie Tasker

2^nd Place, Seascape:                “Coastal Rocks”, Amanda Williams

Winner Flora/Fauna:              “Sunflowers and Bees”, Hideko Pentony

2^nd Place Flora/Fauna:            “Possumniac”, Michael Williams

Winner Still Life/Interior:        “My 1930’s Vase”, Megan Dixon-Dawes

2^nd Place Still Life/Interior:     “Just Picked”, Jennifer Murphy

Below:

Best in show painting “The Diver” by Debra Smith. Debra Smith with society President Nina Poulton (left) and Vice President Amanda Williams (Right)