Artistic Excellence

Rob with highly commended artist, Ayse Simek

Anthony Cleyndert's painting

Rob with C. Dunlea, A. Cleyndert  & Judge D.Mitchinson

 Jubilee picture, which I bought on the night!

Perfect Painting by Camilla Quinn - pictured next to me

A great evening at the Gibberd Gallery for the Open Art exhibition, showcasing local Harlow artists.  Paintings of all kinds - and of all shapes and sizes.

The Open Art exhibition began 7 years ago in The Gibberd; This year saw a record number of participating artists – 65, same age as the Harlow new town.

On display were 96 works selected  from 140, chosen by judges, including David Mitchinson from the Henry Moore Foundation.

I was asked to make a short speech and announce those artists who  had been commended by the Judges - as well as the winning painter.

As follows:

Ayse Simek for "Faded"


Julie Cooper for "Retold"


Joanne Dennis for "Memory"


Gillian Mackenna for "Echo Rings"


Neil Macleay for "Chloe"


Roger Pryor for "Anglesey Abbey"


The winner was Anthony Cleyndert for "Mick and Jo"

In my remarks, I made the point that Harlow was the cultural capital of the East of England. Whilst cities like Cambridge had grand museums and bequests from wealthy philantropists, Harlow culture has thrived from the grassroots. Parndon Mill, Gatehouse Arts, the Writers Group, Our Sculptures and much more besides; all are deeply rooted in our community - the foundation of Harlow's cultural phenomena.

P.S. Hope you like the pictures of some of the paintings.