Entries expected from Peninsula

Organisers of the annual Grandma Moses Art Competition are expecting an array of entries from Peninsula artists.

"Every year we receive a good response from the Peninsula and every year there are winners or artists who receive a certificate for either highly commended or commended," said Gosford Council's coordinator of senior citizen centres Ms Rhondda Gibson.

"Last year we had at least eight Peninsula artists who either won or received commendations.

"The Senior Citizens Centre Art Group scooped the lot in their group with winner, three highly commended and one commended.

"Judith Hoste and Jim Gibbons are well known local artists and enter every year.

"Their work is always outstanding.

"Patricia Maiden is another name that springs to mind."

Ms Gibson said the competition was open to artists aged 50 years and over.

"The Grandma Moses Art Competition and Exhibition is a wonderful chance to showcase the talent of our seniors who are producing some excellent, saleable work," Ms Gibson said.

"The novice section is particularly encouraging.

"Many artists do not find the time to paint in earlier years but the passion has always been there.

"I would like to see more entries in this section and for artists not to think their work is not good enough.

"Next year they may be a major winner."

The competition has been running for 27 years and is sponsored by Gosford Council.

"Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson) was a renowned American folk artist and is most often cited as an example of an individual success beginning a career in the arts at an advanced age.

"We chose tO name the competition after her," Ms Gibson said.

"Prize money totals $2200 over the five sections and is an opportunity for the community to view the work of local artists and receive recognition.

"This year the work will be displayed at Gosford Town Centre, a more accessible location for the exhibition to be viewed."

Entry for the competition closes on August 21, with the exhibition taking place from September 15 to 17, following the announcement of winners on September 15.

Categories for the competition includes open (any medium), watercolour, novice for new painters, Senior Citizens' Centre Art Group member and open (any medium) for Central Coast inspired work.

Entry forms to the art competition can be found at community centres and libraries within the Gosford Local Government Area or council chambers.

Press release, 8 Jul 2009 Rhondda Gibson, Gosford Council