Art Show beats the gloom

by Shant Fabricatorian, City News

"Despite the economic downturn, the 2009 Glebe Art Show defied expectations by posting the highest number of sales in its 12-year history. Attendance, too, increased over previous years during the Show’s nine-day run at Benledi and Glebe Library. Founder Robin Lawrence said the support of sponsors, including the City of Sydney and the Toxteth Hotel, as well as other local businesses, had meant the Show could continue to exhibit artists from all over the inner west, at no increased cost to competitors.

This year, all categories, judged by artist and teacher Deborah Beck, were hotly contested, with two divisions, the Open Prize and the Photography Prize, enjoying joint winners. As part of the celebrations for the suburb’s 150th anniversary this year, the Glebe Society also sponsored the Glebe Sesquicentennial Painting Prize.

Mrs Lawrence, who also works as an artist, said she was extremely grateful for the support of volunteers, particularly treasurer Gloria Smith and secretary Fiona Verge.

“A very big thank you to them,” she said.

The Open Prize was won jointly by Leonora Howlett and Raquel Mazzina, while the Photography Prize was likewise awarded to two competitors, Richard Glover and Julia Hush. Ross Skinner, meanwhile, took home the Glebe Sesquicentennial Prize."

Read the full article from City News here.