ART IN THE PARK – THE WINNERS
The Park Art Competition reached an exciting finale with the announcement of the winners at a VIP event at Teddington’s Landmark Arts Centre on Saturday 14th September.
Over the summer, local artists had been capturing their “inspiring elements” of either Bushy or Home Parks in the first ever Park Art competition, run in partnership between the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks (FBHP) and the Landmark Arts Centre.
The shortlisted entries were exhibited at the Landmark Arts Centre between 12-15 September, and everyone was invited to come and vote for their favourite artwork for the “People’s Choice Award”.
It was a difficult decision as there were over 100 pictures to choose from.
Over 500 people attended the exhibition over the 4 days, enjoying the art, but also 60 stunning wildlife photos captured by local photographers including Sue Lindenberg, Emma Durnford, Rebecca Harvey, Cathy Cooper, David Ivison and Michael Eaton which included The Friends 2025 Calendar winning images.
The winner of the “People’s Choice Award” went to Sofia Green, with artwork titled – Winter Sunset by the Lake. Sofia said she felt very proud and excited to win the award.
The runners up were: Lola Valle-Tourangeau (7-11years) with “Orange Breasted Bird” drawing, Digby Young (12-18 years) with his “Blue Steel” painting, Carla Terry with her artwork “ Custodians of Dew Pond” and finally Aya Nouwailati with her pyrographic (scorched wood) “Elements of Bushy Park”
The artists were asked to comment on what inspired them.
Aya Nouwailati said: “It was challenging finding just one element in Bushy Park to paint. In my artwork, I decided to include all the elements of Bushy Park that make this wonderful park feel like home. For example, the oak leaves from the majestic oak trees, the parasol mushrooms and blackberries that pop out on late summers, the ferns, the pinecones, and the historic Bushy House which once housed King William IV. I have included the main animals. The red deer is a classic symbol and belongs front and centre, the jackdaws on the antlers symbolise the symbiotic friendship between the two, and of course the classic grey squirrel.”
As well as the People’s Choice Award there were 4 categories assessed by a panel of judges.
The panel included Nadia Day, a celebrated park-scape local artist and Emily Burton MA, a renowned artist and an art teacher at the Landmark for 18 years. Emily said, “I’m very impressed with the quality of the submissions.” Nadia added “it’s amazing the variety of subjects and approaches used”. They joined by representatives from FBHP and Landmark, plus Eleanor Evetts, who is a Park Ranger in Home Park for Historic Royal Palaces.
These are the winners the judges chose:
Adult – Studio based-study
Winner:
Hana Wilford – Standing on the bridge
Highly Commended:
Ian Shillaker – The Icehouse Home Park
Ed Simkins -Lightning Tree
The winners in each category and the “People’s Choice Award” will receive:
- A cash prize (supported by Teddington Community Lottery www.teddingtonlottery.co.uk)
- A goodie bag donated by Cass Art (Kingston)
- Free 12-month membership to the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks plus a guided nature/history walk
- Historic Royal Palaces day tickets (Donated by HRP)
Runners up and highly commended also received cash prizes or a Colicci voucher.
Rebecca Harvey, who organised the event for FBHP, said: “I’m immensely pleased with the positive reaction by the local artists to this competition and their way their artworks reflect their love for our beautiful parks.
“We’ve received such lovely comments from the huge amount of visitors to the exhibition, many of which had not visited the Landmark Arts Centre before.
“It’s great to show what two community-based organisation can do when they work together. The volunteers support to run the event has been fabulous too. Just want to add a huge thanks to everyone for their support and making the competition a success in its first year.”
