BRAMSHOTT and Liphook Arts and Craft Society celebrated 36 years with another successful three-day exhibition at the Millennium Centre.

Now counting more than 110 members, the standard of this year’s 216 exhibits has been exceptional.

BLACS president Lesley Holland called it a magnificent show, even better than last year, with a wide range of materials being used.

The Committee Choice Award for Craft 3D Work went to artist Peta Devine, who produced a Mixed Media and Stitch knitted wall hanging, entitled ‘Sea Gems.’

She told The Herald: “I used sea glass which I collected on the beach, created pockets to display the gems and added beads, while I was knitting with metal threads, fabric strips and fine yarn.

“It was very labour intensive and took three solid weeks to complete.”

The Committee Choice for Framed Art went to Lindsay Sword for her acrylic painting entitled ‘Twilight,’ featuring a scene from Mapua, New Zealand.

Now in its third year, the EliChem Award for Innovation was given to John Winchester for his Blacksmith and Iron creation of a ‘Whale’s Tail.’

This year’s Louise Garwood Memorial Award for Floral Art was hand-picked by her daughter Nerissa LeFebvre, after her mother, a patron as well as contributor to BLACS, sadly passed away last November.

It was awarded to Maria Ellis for her acrylic painting of ‘Vibrant Tulips.’

For the first time the society held a silent auction for an original watercolour contributed by Derbyshire artist Matthew Palmer, who recently conducted a demonstration and workshop for BLACS.

In addition, this year’s event included a ‘memorial’ painting by long-time BLACS supporter, Grayshott-based artist Paul Bywood, who passed away earlier this year.

The exhibition also featured guest art class exhibits of watercolours, oils and pencil drawings from Grayshott Art Society, under its tutor Caroline Strong, as well as artwork by Bohunt GCSE students and railway layouts by Liphook Model Club.

The People’s Choice Awards for framed art went to Caroline Strong for her watercolour entitled ‘Catch of the Day’ and the craft award was given to Julia Whitaker for her feather painted acrylic ‘Feather Weight’ set into a stone.

Chairman Andy Tubbs thanked Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council for supporting the event, as well as members of the committee and all exhibitors and visitors. BLACS have a busy monthly schedule for the rest of the year.

•To find out more email [email protected] or visit www.liphookartsandcrafts.org.uk