Hertford Art Society 68th Open Exhibition 2021

“LOVED IT! - Such a beautiful range.”  “A fine collection of work.  Enjoyed it enormously.” “Always love visiting this Exhibition and this year’s does not disappoint.  Such a high standard.  Congratulations to all involved.“ “Such talent in our locality - Thank you for a splendid show.” “As always, a diverse array of styles and artists.  Most enjoyable!” “So many different artworks - a magnificent collection.” “A terrific range of great work.  The variety, techniques and concepts are richly inspiring.  Well done!”

We were glad that this year’s Exhibition could go ahead.  The date was later than usual and the show was for a shorter duration but as can be seen from the selection of comments above, the Exhibition was very well received. A great variety of work was submitted from 94 artists and the judges selected 256 paintings, prints, collages and other 2D work for inclusion together with 30 sculptures in a range of materials and styles. It was wonderful to see visitors enjoying this colourful and diverse collection of work - many by Members of the Hertford Art Society.  Two items tied for the Visitors’ Choice prize this year.

Award Winners

The prize winners this year were as follows:

• The John Goss Award for the Best in Show was awarded to Colin J Clark for 'High Rise to Let 2 Wells-Next-to-the Sea'.
• The Lady Laming Award for the best Abstract work was awarded to Rita Dare for 'Stay a While'.
• The Bill Dale Award for an outstanding work by a Member of the Society was awarded to Anne McCormack for 'Fleeting Moments'.
• Mayor's Award (sponsored by The Arts Society East Herts) for the best 3D work was awarded to Heather Jukes for 'String Woman'.
• Edward Mason Brushes award for the best Watercolour painting to Donna Chamberlain for 'Dance in the Sun'.
• Visitors' Choice Award to Martin Bushell for 'Important Bunny Announcement' and to Colin J. Clarke for 'The Brook'.

John Goss Award - best in show
Colin J Clark for 'High Rise to Let 2 Wells-Next-to-the Sea'.

Lady Laming - Abstract prize
Rita Dare for 'Stay a While'.

Bill Dale Award
Anne McCormack for 'Fleeting Moments'.

Mayor's Award for 3D
Heather Jukes for 'String Woman'.

Mayor's Award for 3D
Highly Commended were Kathy Burman for 'Dancers - Sketch 1' .

Mayor's Award for 3D
Highly Commended were Ann Gascoine for 'Hen'.

Edward Mason award
Donna Chamberlain for 'Dance in the Sun'.

Visitors' Choice Award
Important Bunny Announcement by Martin Bushell

Visitors' Choice Award
The Brook by Colin J. Clarke

Prizegiving

Jill Rolfe with the Mayor

Left: Rita Dare presentation of The Lady Laming Award by The Mayor of Hertford Councillor Bob Deering. Right: Heather Jukes presentation of The Mayors Award by Julia Fulton from The Arts Society East Herts

Left: Donna Chamberlain presentation of The Edward Maison Brushes Award by Craig Morton. Right: Colin J Clarke presentation of The John Goss prize by Peter Ruffles MBE.

Left: Anne McCormack RI SWA presentation of The Bill Dale Award by Diane Dale. Right: Award winners with their pictures.

Gallery

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.