Dave's in the picture for celebrity portrait competition
03/09/07 17:49
THOSE who claim Sheffield pop legend Dave Berry is no oil painting would be wrong - 29 times over.
The singer was the subject of a celebrity portrait competition which attracted more than two dozen entries at the Art in the Gardens exhibition this weekend in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens.
Dave judged the competition himself choosing his top three before going on to pick the overall winner - which he gets to keep.
It was painted by Lynne Wilkinson,, of Summerley, Derbyshire, who also scooped a prize in the open art competition with the best wildlife painting. The same picture also picked up a bronze medal in the best in show category.
Record numbers of people attended the event, now in its fourth year, with Saturday visitors enjoying blazing sunshine.
Art in the Gardens boasted more than 4,000 pieces from 350 different entrants - with more being added on the day as visitors sat for portrait artists. It is one of the few exhibitions which features anyonefrom the 'hobby' artist to established professionals.
Art was displayed everywhere with even the hot houses being turned into impromptu gallery space - with visitors peering through palm fronds to see the paintings on the walls.
But it wasn't just about painting - a basket weaving display drew decent crowds and a series of bands provided music.
Co-organiser Anne Barron, herself an artist, said: "It's been a wonderful weekend. We had glorious weather on the Saturday and it's such a beautiful venue, everyone has been working around with a smile on their face.
"I think we have also had record sales, a lot of artists are walking around 6ft in the air."
Art in the Gardens is organised by Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside in partnership with The Scottie Gallery.
Sheffield Star