By Helen Pain, President of the Kiama Art Society.

The 45th Kiama Art Society’s Annual Exhibition was held recently at the Kiama Leagues Club, an outstanding display of paintings by Illawarra and South Coast Artists.  Well-known artist Melissa Ritchie, this year’s judge, praised the exhibition organisers and the exhibiting artists for the quality and variety of the works on display.   

This year’s overall winner was Illawarra artist Vladimir Begonja, with a vibrant, detailed and compelling painting of “Fitzroy Falls.”  Following a tradition of many years, this painting will be displayed in the foyer of the Kiama Leagues Club, becoming a worthy addition to the Leagues’ Club Art Collection of winning paintings from each annual KAS exhibition.  

Prizes awarded on the Opening night: 

Best in Show

1st.  Vladimir Begonja, Fitzroy Falls. Sponsor: Kiama Leagues Club

2nd. Jenny Albanis, Silver Jug and Lemons. Sponsor: Kiama Municipal Council

3rd. Lexie Watt, Windbent Tree Bombo Headland. Sponsor: Illawarra Financial Group

Best Watercolour in Show

Christine Hill, Kangaroo Valley Pastoral. Sponsor: Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park 

Landscape and seascape

1st. Heather Philpott, Cloud Melody Boat Harbour. Sponsor: Bombo Curtains & Blinds 

2nd. Sylvia Hawthorne, Shoalhaven Reflection. Sponsor: Kiama Furniture One 

3rd. Philip Miles, Morning Frost. Sponsor: CAAA Commercial Associates

Kiama Local Council Area. Sponsor Kiama Municipal Council

1st. Joseph Vella, Deeply Rooted in Knowledge

2nd. Sandra Gray, Afternoon Light, Kiama

3rd. Colleen Behl, Kiama Skate Park

Abstract

1st. Leonie Scott, Misty. Sponsor: Kiama Air

2nd. Catherine Carr, Synapes. Sponsor: HealthSAVE Kiama Downs Pharmacy

3rd Abstract. Matthew Charles, All The Small Things. Sponsor:  Kerry’s Klothes Kiama

Still Life

1st. Kim Grivas , Tetragona Comfort. Sponsor: Burnetts on Barney.

2nd. Grace Paleg, Amber Autumn. Sponsor: Kiama Municipal Council

3rd. Suzanne Walker, Passing Time. Sponsor: Levers Picture Framing and Fine Art Materials

Figurative / Portrait  

Ist. Salwa Woodroffe, Julia Baird. Sponsor: Raine and Horne Kiama

2nd. Vicky Hazzard, Dott. Sponsor: Art House Direct Nowra

3rd. Janetha Lyon, We Are Family. Sponsor: Bombo Curtains and Blinds

PEOPLE’S CHOICE award 

Won by Vivien Tanner, Last Light. Sponsor: Kiama and District Business Chamber