PAT Pritchard’s painting ‘Mushrooms’ was selected as the winning artwork at this year’s Galleries in the Gardens Winter Warmer.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington officially opened the exhibition which was held at Tea Gardens Hotel last Friday night.

Despite the cold, almost 150 people attended the opening enjoying delicious finger food and drinks supplied by the artists and the hotel.

Works from 25 local artists were displayed representing this year’s theme of ‘Food for Thought.’

Judge Dr Waratah Lahy, said the winning artwork was a quiet and unassuming work that demonstrates the artist’s clear engagement with the subject.

“Pat has not tried to paint a straight representation, she has tried to explore and understand her subject matter,” Dr Lahy said.

“It is a work that describes small discoveries and I enjoyed the journey it took me on.”

Helen Sillar’s print, “A Dish of Fish” and Rosemary Lucas’s “Clementines” were selected as the runners-up.

Dr Lahy commented on the balanced compositions, beautiful execution, harmony and rhythm of the works.

“I think collectively the Galleries in the Gardens artists really put together a great exhibition,” she said.

“I am impressed with the range of work on show and appreciate the ways in which the theme has been interpreted with much diligence and good humour.”

Now in its seventh year, the popular event was well-supported with hundreds of locals and visitors attending throughout the weekend.

Representing Galleries in the Gardens (GIG), Lee Anderson said GIG is simply a small group of local “artists” who love the camaraderie of working together, being part of a group, who enjoy their art and who are inspired by the environment of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

“It was terrific to get such constructive feedback from Dr Lahy who spends most of her time at the Australian National University teaching, lecturing and managing their Outreach Program,” she said.

“We hope to be able to lure her back for a two-day workshop later in the year.”

GIG thank Kate Washington, Dr Waratah Lahy and Management and staff from Tea Gardens Hotel for making this year’s Winter Warmer a fun and successful event.