Preview Night a great success

Well, inspite of quite a few of us worrying that maybe no one was going to turn up, we had over 120 people at Preview Night!

Kevin Anderson, our local State member of parliament, opened the Festival, and spoke in glowing terms about the wonderful community spirit in Barraba.

With over 450 entries, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them, and it took them most of the day to make their final decisions, but eventually, the winners were chosen.

Julia Griffin, our painting judge, was not able to stay for the announcement of the major prize, so Margaret Harris was left to announce that Jennifer Korteland had won the New England Mutual Aquisitive Prize of $2000 for her drawing "Tarriaro Tree Scene".

The pottery judge Irene Esteves was very impressed with the quality of the works she had to judge, and it took her a long time to come to her final decision for the major prize. Frederick Edwards was overwhelmed to learn that his bust of Geronimo had been given the Best Work of Pottery.

The Best Work of Photography was won by Christopher Burgess with "Outback Shack". The photography judge, Simon Scott, was very taken with the beautiful colours and fine composition of the piece.

The Packing Room Prize was awarded to Janette Hvistendahl with her piece "Rocky Creek at Clifton", which sold within minutes of the announcement.

Quite a few more pieces sold on Preview Night, and many more will sell over the weekend.

Many thanks to Whyworry Wines for their beautiful red and white wines served on the night, and to Country Coffee House for the canapes.

To the Frost