Once again we had a very successful competition and exhibition hosted at Akeley Village Hall. The standard was extremely high with 109 entries. This year we had an additional category for the 16 to 21 year olds that attracted some very talented young artists. Voting for the best in each category and highly recommended in each category was carried out by the attendees to our Preview on the Friday evening. This preview was kindly attended by all of our three Patrons, Sir Edmund Verney, Th Rt Hon John Bercow Mp and Guy St John Scott. Sir Edmund and John both gave short speeches which were both extremely encouraging. Jane Mordue who kindly thanked our guest speakers said that it was probably a very long time since a Royalist and a Parliamentarian had been supporting one another in the same room (the Queen and the PM aside). The Ashmolean now has a world-class building to match its world-class collections.
Winners and Highly Commended in each of the categories were as follows: -
16 to 21 - Ellie Jones with Reflections 2 and Ellie Jones with Reflections 1
Novice - Paula Moxon - The Mermaid; Lindsey Graham - Memories of venice
Intermediate - Barbara Geary - Tyger; Lisa Campbell - Italian Riviera
Experienced - Zoe day - Martha and Joe (3); Clare Tebboth - New Year at Woolacombe Bay
Over the final two days of the exhibition voting continued for the last two categories of "Best in Show" and "Best Interpretation of the Theme". Owing to a mix up with the announcement of the results by yours truly, your Chairman, we only awrded the first prize in the first categoriy.
Best in Show - Joint Winners - Clare Tebboth - New Year at Woolacombe Bay; Zoe Day - Martha and Joe (3)
Best Interpretation of the Theme - Alan Chown - Toronto; Highly Commended - Mel Makinson - Remembered
Sponsors of prizes and the raffle included: -
Pregos; Waitrose; Villiers Hotel and Canvas.
Other Raffle prizes were donated by members of the Bafa Committee.
A special additional prize was awarded to the winners by John Bercow.
Each winner will enjoy a days sketching at the House of Commons as the special guests of John.
Bafa Chair 21st January 2010