The third annual Mylor 'Wine & Roses' arts weekend was held in the Mylor Hall on October 22-23rd. The focus was very much on photography this year with more than double the number of last year's entries, attracting entrants from as far away as the south coast. To cater for varying levels of experience, Convenor Paul Howe decided on both amateur and open competitions.
The Lloyd Waters Trophy and Roseneath Organics Gift were awarded to the judged overall winner Wayne England, for his entry entitled 'Poocher Swamp Reflections'.
Judges Scott Rickards and Niina Wilkki praised the level of photographic expertise in all categories. Scott detailed the reasons for their choice of winner in each of the eighteen categories. Category winners each received gift vouchers from Mistry Kwik at Stirling. Cash prizes were awarded for the first, second and third in the 'People's Choice' voting, Leisa Moore winning first prize with her photo of a smiling kangaroo.
A photo display by well-known photographer Kel Roberts provided inspiration to budding photographers with a selection of works from a lifetime of photography and world-wide acclaim, including exclusive photographs of Sir Robert Helpmann, and other famous people.
Artworks for sale were quickly snapped up as the doors opened.
Feature artist Professor George Steggles, formerly of Vancouver University, spoke of the artistic and community benefits of the Wine & Roses weekend, providing a venue for amateur and professional artists to come together in a shared endeavour. People's Choice voting for the favourite art work was a close call, with only one vote separating the winning entry 'Down on the Beach' by Lesley Ewing, from the runner-up, Rachel Howe, with her stylish portrayal of Greta Garbo. Amber the pig's artwork was further down the list, but showed promise, and she hopes to have another attempt at the prize-money next year.
Bronze sculptures by professional sculptor John Woffinden attracted considerable interest. John included a display describing the lost wax process that he employs in his work. Marcel Booth-Remmers displayed both bronze and steel sculptures. Sadly there were only a few ceramic items on display... maybe next time perhaps.
Penny O'Hare again excelled in her imaginative display of stunning roses, creatively extending the horizons of garden and sculptural forms with her theme 'Birds and Roses'.
Visitors attending from further afield commented favourably on 'Wine & Roses' in comparison with more major shows. The event raised a net $2000 which will go towards the restoration of the Mylor Bootmaker's Shop. In previous years the event has raised funds for other community projects such as a new Hall stage. 'Wine & Roses', initiated in 2009 by Jane Goldsmith, 'gives artists and aspiring artists the opportunity to come together to express and share their creativity in a community setting, while simultaneously helping to raise funds for community projects'
