A big crowd attended the Murrurundi RSL Hall for the opening night of the 2018 exhibition, as well as the announcement of the major award recipients.

Judge Trevor Weekes, who boasts more than 40 solo exhibits himself, opted for Ms Vaughan’s Way with Patayas (Potatoes) from almost 100 entries.

“I was impressed by the quality of work; and the high standard,” he said.

It capped off a unique double for the talented painter following her success at the Murrurundi Art Prize in 2017.

Michelle Kludas (Blow), Laura Mae West (Cavallo Nei Fiori), Tobie Hynes (The Castrol Buck) and Teresa Byrne (Consequences, Hybrid Dingo; and Grey Stallion) were also highly commended.

Youngster Hede Sharpe took home the encouragement award, while a promising artistic career looms large for eight-year-old Gundy lass Matilda Vella, too.

Murrurundi Arts & Crafts Council president Mandy Archibald was beaming from ear to ear.

“We’re really happy with the response,” she said.

“We had a bit of everything; half the entries consisted of paintings, the other half craft.

“It was very eclectic.

“Our judge, Trevor Weekes, did a fabulous job.

“In fact, it was a huge effort to put this together, so a big thanks to everyone on the committee.

“We’re hoping the event will grow from here.

“We’d also like to express our gratitude to the sponsors – AGL Macquarie, Judy Wilson, Stone and Co, ADAWN, Chicken in the Window, King of the Rangers, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Chris Jackson and Julie Kirk. 

“That allowed us to present the first prize and People’s Choice ($500), as well as five highly commended plaudits worth $200 each. 

“Without them [the sponsors], we couldn’t host the event.”

Mrs Archibald said the reputation of Murrurundi as an artistic hub had flourished in recent months.

“For this town to be represented in four different ways at the recent Archibald Prize was fantastic,” she explained.

“One, Murrurundi artist David Darcy was a finalist; two, his subject was much-loved local Charlotte Drake-Brockman; three, her clothing [in the portrait] was designed by Pearl Moon; and, finally, Robert Malherbe featured veteran art dealer Michael Reid, who owns a gallery here, in his work.”

The Murrurundi Arts & Crafts Prize exhibition is open each weekend, from 10am until 4pm, until June 11.