ALTON’S Allen Gallery has played host this month to an open exhibition which has attracted 78 entries featuring a range of media such as sculpture, collage and photography.

Visitors have until Saturday to visit the exhibition whose exhibits were judged this year by gallery manager Jamie Allen and Gill Arnott, the curator of art for Hampshire Cultural Trust, who were said to be “highly impressed with the standard of work” and were faced with a a difficult decision when making the awards.

The overall winner of the exhibition was Marie Barker for her work ‘Clouds Over Porthmeor Beach’, with highly commended awards going to Ron Ewins’ striking portrait ‘Retro Girl’ and ‘Take Off’, a brilliantly captured photograph of a heron by Tony Cole.

Jamie said: “With such a wide range of styles and subjects, there is something to suit all tastes. Along with the usual high standard of paintings, there are also some excellent photography, sculpture and textile.”

Of the winner, Gill said: “Marie Barker’s creative use of colour and interesting textures captured the mood of this beach scene perfectly.”

Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite work and the winner will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

The prizes have been donated by Alternative Packaging Solutions.

The Allen Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm.