A painting featuring an atmospheric Hebridean island and a striking image of the Rogano restaurant in Glasgow were announced as the winning entries at this year’s 49th Annual Art Show in Kirkintilloch.
Marie Barbour’s ‘North Uist’ was awarded the East Dunbartonshire Civic Purchase Prize while Michael Gahagan’s ‘Street Life – The Rogano’ was named winner of the Anne Stevenson Memorial Prize.
In the Jack Lucas – Best Amateur Category the winner was Jennifer Maclean’s ‘Two Wheels’ while 2nd Prize went to Reaper by Robyn Parks and Joyce Wilson’s ‘Feathered Friends’ was awarded third place. .
The Annual Art Show has been a tradition for half a century and continues to attract some of the finest artists from East Dunbartonshire. This year’s judges were Jimmy Watson, from the EDLC Trust Board, and Christine Miller, Operations Manager for the Trust, an art lover who has more than 40 years’ service with East Dunbartonshire Council.
Jimmy Watson, of the EDLC Trust, added, "As an admirer of all who express themselves creatively, it was an honour to be asked to judge this year's art competition.
"However, it proved not to be an easy task to select four paintings, as the range and quality of work is very high.
"All who entered are winners, for they bring beauty into our world and help nourish the creative soul."
This year’s show attracted more than 90 entries. In addition to the main exhibition, there is also be a small display of paintings by Jack McCafferty. Jack exhibited his paintings with show since the 1980s and won many prizes of the years for his watercolours. Last year, just before he died, his carers submitted one of his works, which one second prize.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, “The annual art show has been a highlight on East Dunbartonshire’s cultural calendar for many years. The quality of work on show this year has been very impressive. I would encourage anybody who has not been to try and get along in this the final week of the exhibition.”
Acclaimed artist and Kirkintilloch native Dick Stevenson set up the annual event in 1970 as a way of showcasing the work of local amateur and professional artists. In the years since it was launched, the exhibition has grown from a small competition in Mr Stevenson’s small Townhead gallery into a much-anticipated arts event for the area.
The 49th Annual Art Exhibition runs until 19 September at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-1pm; 2-5pm. For more information, call 0141 777 3013 or visit www.edlc.co.uk
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