Over 160 people gathered at The Barrel Room, Roche Estate on Friday, September 9 to hear the announcement.

Michèle Heibel’s entry titled ‘Under the Mistletoe’ won the first prize of $3000, donated by Alan Jurd of Jurds Real Estate.

Gaye Shields won second price of $2000 (donated by Cessnock Toyota) with her painting titled ‘The Gathering’.

Di Baker’s work ‘Early Spring in the Hunter’ won third prize of $1000, donated by The Royal Oak Hotel Cessnock.

Two highly commended prizes of $100 each, donated by Margaret Sivyer OAM, were awarded to Ann Gillette and Gwendolin Lewis.

A primary school competition was held as part of the art fair, with Sarah Hanson of Mulbring Public School winning first prize and $1500 for her school (donated by Commonwealth Bank Cessnock).

Jordon Macey of Paxton Public School won second prize and Harrison Mitchell of Cessnock West Public School placed third.

All entries will be on display to the public at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery until Saturday, September 24, with the public invited to place their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The winning artist will receive $250 as their prize, donated by Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.

The public is also invited to attend Art After Hours at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery on Thursday, September 22 to meet the art fair winner Michèle Heibel.

The gallery’s new show ‘Beach and Bush’ opens Wednesday, September 28, featuring works by Hunter Valley artists Melissa Bull, Janine Matthews and Jessica Pyne.

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Meanwhile, the Wollombi Valley Arts Council’s Emerging Artist Awards opening night will take place at the Old Fire Shed Gallery on Friday, September 23 at 6.30pm.

The exhibition will be open on weekends from Saturday, September 24 to Sunday, October 9 (including the Labour Day public holiday on Monday, October 3). Gallery hours are 10am to 4pm.