The art show – which went into recess in 2014 after 50 consecutive years – opened at Weston Civic Centre on Tuesday night with a healthy crowd in attendance.

The Anglican Parish of Mount Vincent and Weston collaborated with Towns With Heart to organise this year’s show.

Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Stuart, officially opened the show and commended the organisers and artists for their efforts.

“We are impoverished as communities when art is not celebrated,” he said.

Cessnock indigenous artist Les Elvin received the overall major prize for his work Platypus in June.

Mr. Elvin said he was very pleased to have won, after entering the art show many times in the past 17 years.

“My art work has grown and improved in that time, as I’ve come to know more about my people,” he said.

Cessnock City Council sponsored the $2000 major prize and also provided $1500 for the Regional Art Prize, which was won by Lovedale artist Michele Heibel for her work The Long Hot One.

The art show will be open 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday. Entry is $5 for adults; children are free.

Major Prize – Platypus in June by Les Elvin

Regional Art Prize – The Long Hot One by Michele Heibel

Watercolour – Chioggia Serenity, Venice Lagoon by Hugh Cross

Traditional – Sale Yards by Gaye Shield

Still Life – Still Life (on Hermitage Road) by Michele Heibel

Flowers – Poppy Explosion by Deanne Newland

Pencil, Pen or Ink on Paper – Where’s the Hay by Deanne Newland

Miniature – New Life by Christine Hogan

Indigenous – Waterhole Gathering by Vicki Purvis

Religious/Spiritual – Into the Light by Verona Lucas

Scenes from Weston – Walking the Dog by Jennifer Dimmock

Junior Youth – Dreaming Time by Ryan Lewis

Youth – Stripes by Eloise Rossiter

Senior Youth – Echidna by Madison Lee