County art contest draws record entries

All Saints Church, Hereford, was filled with art of all kinds last week, ranging from a view of Hereford from above, complete with twinkling lights and fluffy clouds, to landscapes, photographs and a cascade of poppies evoking the ‘Weeping Window’ display.

There were 96 artworks on display which came from people of all ages across the county as part of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ charity art competition – winners of the eight categories, who received their certificates last Monday (12 Nov) will also be able to donate £250 to a charity of their choice.

The competition focused on entrants’ passion for Herefordshire, and their work was designed to illustrate what they most loved about the county. From sport to nature, from food and drink to cityscapes, artists had used every aspect of the county to inspire them.

The judging panel included well-known local artists Walenty Pytel, Amanda Hamilton and John Bulmer.

Matt Hayes, head of the firm’s Hereford office, who was also one of the panel of judges, said: “We were delighted by the sheer breadth of the talent on display – entry numbers were high, and we were very pleased to see so many schools getting involved. I know that the charities which the winners choose will be just as delighted to receive the donations, half of which will come from the Harrison Clark Rickerbys Charitable Trust.

“We would also like to thank our kind sponsors, Brightwells Fine Art, Gallery 54, RRA Architects and the Institute of Art and Law.”

The winners are:
• Marek Zylinski – landscape, adult
• Alexandra* (Kings Caple Primary Academy) – landscape, junior
• Andrew Williams – wildcard, adult
• Georgie* (Clifford Primary School) – wildcard, junior
• Halle* (Fairfield High School) – leisure, junior
• David Laws – portrait, adult
• Linda Pitcher – city, adult
• Mya* (Kings Caple Primary Academy) – city, junior.