A big opening night crowd at the Springwood Art Show last Friday was treated to a huge variety of quality paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, jewellery and even fine origami for sale.
There was plenty more to enjoy inside Springwood High School's hall, including an entertaining panel discussion featuring Blue Mountains 2014 Archibald Prize finalists Mathew Lynn and Mick Bales and 2014 Katoomba Art Street director Victor Peralta plus wine, canapes and beautiful music by Krysie Steve and Seth Harsh.
The major award winner was Castlereagh artist Julie Simmons, whose vibrant still life painting ''Big Reds'' earned her the $1000 Rose Lindsay art prize.
Organisers said more than usual artworks were sold on opening night and there were solid sales for the remainder of the show on August 30 and 31.
The annual event, sponsored by many local businesses, is the major fundraiser for Springwood High School's Parents and Citizens Association, which donates all proceeds to support programs and equipment that benefits the school's students.
The full list of winners were:
Julie Simmons Rose Lindsay art prize; Leonora Brown highly commended; Sophie Haythornthwaite landscape prize; Marcia Rea portrait prize; Ben Baxter highly commended, photography; Romy Roeder environment and ecology art/craft prize; Jamie Murray indigenous artist prize; Jordyn Tattersall young indigenous artist encouragement award; Noah Berrington youth prize junior; Maddie Rapley youth prize senior.