THE Frost Over Barraba Arts Festival has come and gone with the central event –the art exhibition – attracting more than 450 entries.
They included painting, drawing, print-making, photography and pottery and organisers said the quality of entries was very high.
The competition pieces were complemented by some outstanding work from six guest artists.
The New England Mutual acquisitive prize of $2000 for Best Work of Art was awarded to local artist Jennifer Korteland for her drawing Tarriaro Tree Scene.
Festival secretary Sarah Marrett said Tarriaro is close to Narrabri and is described by Jennifer as being “a favourite art place”.
“Korteland draws en plein air (in the open air)to give her work more character and depth,”Ms Marrett said.
Judge Julia Griffin commended Korteland on her composition and interesting use of a limited palette of colour.
“This is the first time anyone can remember that a drawing has won this major award,” Ms Marrett said.
Jennifer was not at the opening and Ms Marrett enjoyed giving her the news over the phone, saying “Jennifer was quite shocked and thrilled. She was silent for a long while, absorbing the great news.”
The best work in the pottery section was Geronimo by Frederick Edwards, awarded by pottery judge Irene Esteves. The photography section was judged by Simon Scott, who awarded best work to Christopher Burgess for Outback Shack.
Mr Scott commended Burgess’s “spot-on” exposures and the way the shack was depicted facing both its present and its past.
The packers prize in 2012 was won by Jeanette Hvistendahl’s Rocky Creek at Clifton.
“This painting bowled over each of the packers during the hanging process,” Ms Marrett said.
The people’s choice was won by Yvonne Overton with her watercolour Fishing.
By the closing of Frost Over Barraba on Sunday afternoon, more than 500 people had gone through the exhibition.
Festival convenor Dave Drummond was very pleased with the event.
“The massive support of the Barraba community, the numbers of visitors and the volume of sales of artwork, have all contributed to a very successful event,” Mr Drummond said.
“I have to thank the volunteers at all the venues open over the weekend and special thanks to St Laurence Anglican Church, who passed the event on to the Barraba community to ensure it could continue.”
Complete details of all winners can be found at the website www.frostoverbarraba.org.au