Local artists win at Gosford Show

Three local artists have won prizes in the Margaret Smith Memorial Award at the Gosford Show last month.

President of the Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre Ms Thel Browne won first prize in the open award category for her painting Mountain Mist.

Pearl Beach artist Ms Marijke Greenway took out first prize for the oils/acrylic award for her painting Pecking Order Isa Browns while Killcare resident Ms Jean Scott took second prize.

Regular exhibitor at Creative Courtyards in Woy Woy, Ms Sherry McCourt of McMasters Beach won second prize for her painting And the Band Played On.

President of the Central Coast Art Society Ms Margaret Hardy said the first Margaret Smith Memorial Award was held in 1994 at the Gosford Show in memory of art society member Ms Margaret Smith.

"Margaret Grace Smith was a member of the Central Coast Art Society for many years," Ms Hardy said.

"She was also a music teacher living at Killarney Vale.

"Margaret died in 1992 without any relatives.

"Her estate was divided between three organisations, with the Central Coast Art Society being one of the recipients.

"The money was to be used to promote local artists so the society decided to start the Margaret Smith Memorial Award when the money was released.

"The first Award was held in 1994 at the Gosford Show and has continued annually ever since.

"An exhibition is also held each year at the Gosford Agricultural Show, with the work being of a very high standard.

"Some of the artists who exhibited from the Peninsula area were Judith Hoste, Karen Medcalf, Lidia Fernandez, Meredith Gilmour and Jean Scott."

Press release, 11 Jun 2009 Margaret Hardy, Central Coast Art Society