Nurse takes home top art prize

AS part of the Ballarat Society of Artist’s annual art exhibition, organisers put together an exciting raffle.

In addition to the variety of art works within the exhibition, the show also hosted the raffle with prizes being two pieces of art donated by members of the Society.

“The first prize painting was Rosella by Lyn Cooke and the second prize was Pickings from the Garden by John Canham,” said BSA assistant secretary Sue Clarke.

“We announced the winners on Monday afternoon and they were Jess, a local nurse who won first prize and the second prize was Zita from Melbourne.

“The two winners were really happy about their prizes, Jess had even just finished being on duty and the hospital so popped over to collect her prize.”

For its 38th year, the exhibition was held at the Robert Clarke Centre over Easter and turned out to be one of the largest BSA show in decades.

“It was one of the most successful exhibitions that we have had in many years with over 20 framed works sold and numerous unframed works, cards and merchandise,” Ms Clarke said.

“The weather was perfect and people came from all over Victoria to see the begonias in the gardens and our exhibition.

“The atmosphere was wonderful, what more could you want?”

Thanks to a City of Ballarat grant, Ms Clarke said the Society were able to use their new black covers to hang the art pieces against for the first time at the exhibition.

“The new covers came from a Ballarat council grant and the artworks hung so well on the new background,” she said.

“During the wintertime, it is a bit quiet for BSA, however, many get together in the warmth and paint at our Saturday painting at Brown Hill Uniting Church hall, as well as in other groups that have formed over the years for social painting.”

“We’ll still be active throughout the year.”