THE spirit of rural communities was on full display at the Lake Boga Art and Photography competition and exhibition.
Lake Boga Lions Club president Robyn Howarth said the opening night last Friday evening went off without a hitch.
“It exceeded all of our expectations,” Ms Howarth said.
“We had people just filing in all over the weekend – everyone was really amazed at the talent on display.”
First place in the Open Art category was Norma Everett with her artwork Volunteers between fire fighting, which the judges felt perfectly encapsulated this year’s competition them of “the spirit of rural communities”.
“This work spoke of the real sense of community,” art judge Angela Walker said.
“The spirit of volunteer service, given with compassion for other and no expectations for renunciation is to be commended. It goes to the heart of rural communities forming strong relationships with people and therefore the spirit of giving.”
First place in the Photography category went to Kristen Cowland for her image entitled Stillness. Photography judge Jo Sheldrick-Doherty said the image of Lake Boga had “gorgeous colours with a beautifully saturated depth”.
“A more unusual vertical image of the lake, that works perfectly with the horizon centred,” Sheldrick-Doherty said.
“I love the way the light and depth in captured, the softness of the water, the crisp water line, leading lines bringing our eye back to the tree and across to the sun. It’s a stunning image.”
More than 60 entries were received for the competition, with 42 artworks, 16 photographs and seven junior entries.
WINNERS:
First place: Art – Open – Norma Everett
Second place: Art – Open – Noel Codling
Third place: Art – Open – Pamela Austerberry
First place: Art – Other Medium – Silvia Stephens
People’s Choice Award – Tracy Abraham
Highly commended: Art – Open – Rhonda Willoughby
Highly commended: Art – Open – Tobie Cameron
First place: photography – Kristen Cowland
Second place: photography – Matisse Quigley
First place: junior photography under 12 years – Max Carter
Equal first place: junior photography 13 to 17 years – Indi O’Brien
Highly commended: junior photography – Ruby Gerrard
