Show lights up

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
MORE than 100 paintings were judged for the final Mont De Lancey Acquisitive Art Award on Sunday 12 September.
The paintings were the work of the district’s current artists and this year’s winners complete 15 years of art collection to hang in Mont de Lancey’s Ray Oliver Gallery.
Chirnside Park artist Barbara Beasley-Southgate won the elusive top prize with her painting Awaiting the light on Collins.
Ms Beasley-Southgate said it was quite exciting and very thrilling when she found out she had won.
“It was a group of people waiting for the green light on Collins and Russell streets in the city, and it focuses in on them. I love the interaction of the people standing there and waiting,” she said.
“I have been in (the competition) for the last few years and did win a prize last year, but I was still stunned.”
The $2500 acquisition is funded by the Olive Sebire and Annette and Neville Lord Trust.
Di King received the $2000 acquisitive prize, and other Yarra Valley artists recognised in the awards were John Thomas, Helen Kelly, Janet Tresidder, Bradley Ross and Jennifer Tetlow.
Organiser Jill Sebire said it had been wonderful to see the artists on the final occasion, new and old, who had been part of the 15 years.
Judge Connie Walker had commented on the high standard of work.
Sue Thompson compiled a booklet, outlining the history and containing the winning artists over the 15 years. They are, in order, Rosmarie Bos, Kayleen Stewart, John Thomas, Janice McBride, Arthur Hughes, Robert Knight, Ingrid Ostberg, Julie Ricketts, Robert Knight, Alyson May, Rebecca Pool, Bett Collins, Christine Cafarella-Pearce, Cathie Berry, and finally Barbara Beasley-Southgate for 2010.
The exhibition will be on show at Mont De Lancey Historic Museum in Wandin until Sunday 3 October.