An Abertridwr photographer has won first prize in a competition run by Y Galeri in Caerphilly town.
Gerwyn Williams was praised for his photograph entitled ‘Disconnected’ which was part of 130 artworks in Y Galeri’s Open Art Winter Exhibition.
Luke Barker, of Llanbradach took second prize for his portrait of Kerry in oil and spray paint, while 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’.
More than 90 artists attended a recent presentation event at Y Galeri, in St Fagan’s Street, Caerphilly. 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 and 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.
Thirteen artists were also 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 February 23. Y Galeri is open 10am and 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.