After weeks of suspense and speculation 90 artists attended a presentation event at Y Galeri, Caerphilly on Friday evening all eager to find out which of the 130 artworks in The Open Art Winter Exhibition would be selected as winners.

The event, sponsored by Mark Phillips Ltd, Independent Advisors and Caerphilly Town Council, attracted almost 300 submissions from artists from across South Wales. Following submission, 130 artworks were selected by a panel of three judges: Heidi Mehta, Arts Development Officer for the Arts Council of Wales, David Chamberlain, Arts Development Manager for Caerphilly Borough Council & artist Wendy Henley. Important factors for the panel when making their selection included originality, technique and emotional impact.

The three winning entries were awarded prizes of £500, £250 and £100. First prize was awarded to Gerwyn Williams of Abertridwr for his photograph entitled ' Disconnected'. Luke Barker of Llanbradach took 2nd prize for his portrait of Kerry in oil and spray paint. Third prize went to Pam Jones from Cowbridge for her sculptural piece in porcelain entitled 'Somnambulism'. The Visitors Choice Award, selected by visitors to the gallery, was awarded to Pentre artist Michael de Bono for ‘Woman with Small Bouquet’.

Thirteen artists were highly commended by the judges:
Maureen Carlson of Porthcawl for her vibrant painting 'Deep in the Garden'
Sarah Cole of Porthcawl for her portrait in acrylics of 'Lloydy'
Louise Collis of Pontypool for her oil painting 'Morte Point, Woolacombe Bay'
Brian Davies of Creigiau for Gwal y Filiast, Carmarthenshire in acrylics
Michael de Bono of Pentre for his oil ' Woman with Small Bouquet’
Bert Evans of Port Talbot for 'Scooters' in oils
Mary Jones of Caerphilly for her acrylic of 'Margam'
Sally Lloyd of Blackwood for Elephant's Eye in acrylic and mixed media
Abigail Prior of Machen for her mixed media piece 'New Shoots'
Jackie Shackson of Roath for her Collograph entitled 'Welsh Quilt'
Joe Rhodes of Porthcawl for 'Roses on Dresser' in oil
Marie Varney of Machen for her hand made felt stitched piece entitled 'Earth'
Graham Vincent of Cwmparc in the Rhondda for ‘Valleys Love is' in graphite.

The exhibition continues until 23rd February. With artworks starting at £50 the show provides an affordable opportunity for those looking to purchase an original artwork. Y Galeri is open 10am-5pm, Tuesday - Saturday.