Exhibitions

Exhibitions for February to June 2012…

Young Dorset Photographer Scoops International Award

Bertie Gregory, an 18-year old local photographer, is celebrating this week after he was crowned Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year in the prestigious, global competition run by Outdoor Photography magazine.

Bertie, who lives in Poole, Dorset, beat off thousands of other competitors from a total of 126 countries with his amusing shot close-up of an inquisitive raccoon, taken in Vancouver, Canada. Bertie knew the judges of this year's Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition would be looking for something extra special. Head judge and Editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, Steve Watkins, said:

'We were wowed by the quality of photos that so many young outdoor photographers are producing, and by their utter commitment to getting images that reveal the world in both its enduring glory and, for some categories, at its most troubled. We thought that last year's judging was challenging, but this year we needed to re-vote many times on some categories, as it became almost impossible to reach a conclusion. In the end, though, Bertie's image of the raccoon really had everything we were looking for, and more. It has instant appeal due to the endearing gaze of the raccoon, but it also has a far quieter, subtler story to it. The image speaks of our engagement with nature and how we are all inter-connected, this story being enhanced by Bertie choosing to go down to the raccoon's eye-level to take the image. It is a superb image that put a smile on the faces of all the judges.'

Dorset Photographer Scoops International Photography Award

Local professional photographer, Mark Bauer, is also celebrating this week after he walked away with the At The Water's Edge Award in the prestigious Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition run by Outdoor Photography magazine.

Mark, who lives in Swanage, Dorset, beat off thousands of other competitors from a total of 126 countries with his serene shot of the Old Pier, in Swanage; making it a Dorset Double! Head judge and Editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, Steve Watkins, said:

'We were wowed by the quality of photos that so many outdoor photographers are producing, and by their utter commitment to getting images that reveal the world in both its enduring glory and, for some categories, at its most troubled. We thought that last year's judging was challenging, but this year we needed to re-vote many times on some categories, as it became almost impossible to reach a conclusion. In the end, though, Mark's image of Swanage Old Pier really had the edge over the other images in the category. It is an absolutely classic and timeless seascape that would grace the wall of any gallery.'

Joy for Local Artist

Joyce Lawrence, a well-known local artist, has joined Pure Urban Art and her work is now available to buy online. Joyce's paintings and line and wash drawings of Christchurch and Mudeford have been selling for over 20 years in exhibitions across the area, and we are pleased that her artwork is now for sale to a larger audience via the internet.

Christchurch Writer’s Competition

Sponsored by Regent Centre

Bards, scribes and wordsmiths everywhere already have their pens poised over the parchment to enter the 26th Annual Christchurch Writers Competition. Entry forms with full details of rules and conditions are available now from the Regent Centre in Christchurch on 01202 499199.

This year there are four categories to enter:

1) Article 800 words maximum

2) Poetry 40 lines maximum

3) Short Story 2500 words maximum

4) One-Act Radio Play 20 Minutes duration

5) Quill Trophy Poem 20 - 40 lines on the topic: "The Red House Museum & Gardens."