THE Alton Art Society’s 85th annual exhibition attracted more than 1,000 visitors to Alton Assembly Rooms last week, to enjoy what was another spectacular display of work by local artists.

Artwork ranged from watercolours, acrylics and pastels to oils, collage and 3D, and it included an impressive children’s exhibition.

More than 700 people took time to study and vote for their favourite piece, with the winner of the Jack Riviere trophy for Best in Show, as decided by the public, going to Robin Lees for his ‘Oaktrees at Highmead House’.

According to exhibition organiser Kaye Garrett, while most of the 200 exhibits received at least one vote, demonstrating the breadth of public taste, Mr Lees’ acrylic painting was a clear winner.

Runner-up was Lynda Mansfield for ‘A Hare in Sight!’ (coloured pencil), and third was Kate Davis for her water-based oil ‘Stay for a While, Leave Without a Trace’.

While only one vote separated the second and third places, Kate was also the artist to receive the most votes when considering all works by one artist.

The Jack Riviere trophy will be presented at the November meeting of the Alton Art Society.

There were prizes also in three categories, as awarded by the exhibition sponsors. They were:

Landscape Painting any Medium award (sponsored by Alton Vans and Cars): Marie Barker for Porthleven, Cornwall painted in oil on canvas.

Best Garden Themed Painting any Medium (sponsored by Avenue Nurseries): Tony Gilliam for ‘Poppy’ in acrylic.

Best 3D Work in any Medium (sponsored by Fine Framing): Brian Mitchell for his Triple Dish in Mallee Burr.

Alton Art Society has around 200 members who are all entitled to exhibit, with some 66 taking up the opportunity to display a maximum of three pieces.

All works were on sale, with more than 40 sold.

The exhibition was, said Mrs Garrett, a great success and “fabulous” to be able to stage an exhibition which, for the first time, was extended from the usual four days to a full week, including both weekends – the Saturdays in particular had proven popular for viewing.

While next year’s exhibition will follow the same format, it is yet to be determined if the extended event will prove financially viable in the longer term.

Manned for the duration by club members, the exhibition also included demonstrations by Jenny Kennish (coloured pencil), Maggie Cole (watercolour landscape), Lynda Mansfield (pencil and graphite realism – nature), Pam (Pell) Jones (gouache), Kate Davis (watercolour), Mike Downs (watercolour landscape and buildings), and Naomi White.