Welsh talent at its best!

The winners of the second Art Competition held by the Llanwrtyd & District Heritage and Arts Centre were announced at a special preview evening held on the 6 th July.

More than seventy invited guests viewed the exhibition which comprised of eighty pieces chosen from the original one hundred submissions and there was a varied interpretation of the theme ‘A Moment in Time’ from the Welsh based artists. The display included a variety of mediums including work in oils, pastels, pencil, acrylics together with litho-prints, photography, collage and mixed media.

The panel of judges which included Wrexham University Art Lecturer Wendy Connelly and Robin Bailey from Raw-I Studios in Chester, Brent Blair owner of the Lion Street Gallery in Hay-on-Wye and Chris Matchett art restorer, all themselves practising artists with a history of international exhibiting, had a very difficult decision on the night. They were impressed by the brilliant and creative photography and interesting technical pieces in addition to the more traditional work and felt that the standard was very high with wonderful pieces providing great variety and a superb exhibition. Particular commendation was given to Simon Lilly.

However, eventually Charlotte Vickery was chosen as the winner for ‘Calidos Recuerdos’ which the judges felt ‘was a challenging composition with an excellent use of a minimal palette – the flashes of under painting adding vibrancy.’ Charlotte received a prize of £500 sponsored by Charcroft Electronics Ltd based in Llanwrtyd Wells.

Second prize of £250 , sponsored by Lofftwen Forest Farm, was awarded to Barbara Simon for her work ‘Doorstep’ which was considered to be ‘a relatable narrative with a bold technique resulting in subtleties of colour and texture which added depth.’

The third prize of £100 sponsored by Llanwrtyd resident Col. Tim Van Rees, will be awarded as a result of a Visitors’ Choice vote. Visitors to the Heritage Centre throughout July have the opportunity to view the exhibition and vote for their favourite. “We were delighted with the number of entries, diverse interpretation of the theme, various mediums used and the wide-ranging geographical response” Lynne Brookes, Centre Manager told the audience adding “we are so lucky that Wales has such a wealth of talent and creativity and the Centre is honoured to have the opportunity to display some of this artistic ability through this competition. We hope that visitors will come to the Heritage Centre to view the exhibition and vote for their favourite”.

The exhibition runs throughout July. Opening times Thursday to Sunday 10am – 4pm