King's School art recieves special praise after another successful art show in Ottery St Mary

THE 33rd annual art exhibition by members of the Otter Vale Arts Society draws to a close this weekend and organisers are celebrating another successful show.

As work from King's School pupils was entered in the exhibition's youth art section for the first time, judge and renowned artist Neil Cox reserved special praise for the art society's efforts in encouraging fledgling painters.

Mr Cox said: "It was very nice to see Otter Vale trying to do something a bit different, the standard of the school work was of a very high standard and could have been entered in the senior section."

The youth art prize was awarded to Amelia Siddle, whose painting of a horse was labelled "outstanding" by Mr Cox.

Society member Judith Stephens said: "The exhibition has had more visitors than ever. It is encouraging that we have so many talented young artists in Ottery and several of these are now considering becoming members of the Society."

Praise was also lavished on the standard of entries throughout the exhibition with two members of the society notching up award doubles.

The Alwyn Crawshaw award for best overall work went to Celia Risso, who also took home the David Young award for best oil. The society's trophy for best pastel and the Norah Goddard award for best portrait were handed to Jenny Savage.

Mr Cox added: "There was a tremendous range of work and a high level of professionalism on show."

Among other winners were Ann Brown for best watercolour, John Treneer for drawing, Simon Gray for best sculpture, Barbara Whit for mixed media and Jean Williams for abstract.

John Staddon was selected by society president and successful artist Robert Crisp as recipient of the South West Art award.

Art lovers can still sample the exhibit's delights before it closes at noon on Sunday. The event is open until 7pm this evening 5pm tomorrow.