DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2027
Friday
2nd July 10.00 - 5.00
Saturday 3rd July 10.00- 5.00
Sunday 4th July 10.00 - 4.00
WE PAINT THE TOWN RED
We were buzzing after a hugely successful three days at our Annual Exhibition. Over 100 artworks were on sale and visitor numbers topped 600.
VIP guests included youngsters from Perins Pre-School Playgroup, who have been learning about art, and who quickly pointed out their favourites - mostly the ones with the brightest colours.
Winchester MP Danny Chambers also made a flying visit and took the opportunity to vote for his favourite painting. We were thrilled to discover that one of his ancestors was none other than 18thC painter George Stubbs. Famous for his portraits of horses, Stubbs’ most famous painting Whistlejacket, hangs in the National Gallery.
“I was blown away by the quality of the art and there were many pictures I would happily have on my own wall at home,” said Danny. “I also loved the sense of community that the Alresford Art Society has created. Practising hobbies while making friends is one of the best things people can do for their mental health.”
Society Chairman Nikki Flannigan paid tribute to the dozens of members who had given their time over the long weekend to make it such a success, with special thanks to Society President, Sue Gentry who orchestrated the event; Jen Boardman who handled all the admin, exhibition hangers Veronica Bliss, Helen Langford and Deborah Clark and guest artist judges Gill Grant, Rachael Alexander and Penny Metcalfe.
“The quality of entries was exceptionally high” said Nikki, “and we had eight members who were exhibiting for the very first time. It’s really encouraging that the work of our talented local artists was so enthusiastically received, with many of our visitors voting for - and even buying - their favourite pieces. I was particularly delighted when one young woman bought a painting to take back to her home in Hong Kong! Art brings such joy and we’re already starting to paint and plan for next year,” she said.
The winner of the Peoples’s Choice prize was Elephants Watering, an acrylic painting by Jenny Kennish and chosen by exhibition visitors. Other winners were: BEST WATERCOLOUR - Veronica Bliss with Bird's Nest, BEST OIL - Amanda Fry with Above the Boatshed Cafe at Lulworth Cove, BEST ACRYLIC - Richard Cox with Boats at Staithes, BEST MIXED MEDIA - Jan Symons with Shattered Lives, BEST FLORAL - Mercia Cornish with Flowers & Fruit, BEST 3D - Jen Boardman with Yee Haw! and BEST NEW EXHIBITOR - Clive Tong with Winchester Cathedral in watercolour.
The exhibition was again kindly sponsored by Alresford estate agent Hellards.
Best New Exhibitor Clive Tong with Winchester Cathedral in Watercolour
Best Watercolour - Bird's Nest by Veronica Bliss
Elephants Watering, acrylic painting by People's Choice Winner Jenny Kennish
Best Floral - Mercia Cornish, Flowers & Fruit in acrylic