The winners of the inaugural Tastings of the Hastings Art Competition were announced on Friday night at the exhibition opening held at Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery. Guests enjoyed canapés made from local produce and sipped on local Long Point wines to celebrate this new addition to the annual Food and Wine festival. Music was provided by Lake Cathie duo, John O’Shaughnessy and Heather Humphreys. Long Point owners and event sponsors, Graeme & Helen Davies, have unearthed a vein of new talent in our local area.
Guest judge, Dr Leigh Summers, awarded the $3,000 open prize to Port Macquarie artist Samantha Clark.
The winning entry, “Sandfly Alley” is a “fabulous oil painting displaying rich textures and layering”, explained the judge, The winner has certainly represented the “home-grown” theme of the competition with a luscious oyster the central part of the winning work, which “makes me want to open a bottle of bubbles”.
