MIFGS 2009

The 2009 MIFGS show was again a great success. We had 49 exhibitors with 88 entries. This was slightly up on last year.
It was pleasing to see many old faces again and quite a few new ones including Nicole Allen, the previous owner of Manyung Gallery”. Nicole and her husband have recently returned from three years in Vietnam.
There were three interstate visitors, one of whom – Karen Herring was extremely happy as she sold both her pieces and won the “People’s Choice”. We had a total of 8 non- members.
Once again it was the variety of work – different materials, different ideas, and different methods that attracted most comment from the public, many of whom are now regular visitors to our section of the Flower and Garden Show. The people’s choice award was much closer this year. There were approximately the same number of votes as last year showing that this aspect of the exhibition is still a crowd favourite.
Kevin Free was on duty as usual running the demonstration area, supported by some members. This is always a crowd pleaser and this year was no exception.
One pleasing aspect was the high number of enquiries we had for information about various exhibitors, many of these coming from garden designers.
Sales at 21 pieces exceeded last year in numbers but was down in value, due to the two high value sales we had last year.
Our Judge, Deborah Halpern performed the difficult task of selecting the winners, but then made everyone feel like a winner in her speech at the award function. We thank Deborah for her time and thoughtfulness.
The function was again held at La Notte in Lygon Street. A good crowd turned up. Geoff Williams the Acting President welcomed people particularly mentioning a few stalwarts and regular contributors - Betty Collier, Valda Cumming, Kevin Free, Michael Meszaros and Lise Toft.
I thank our Sponsors, our Judge, those that helped in organising and running the exhibition -Jenny Rickards, John Bishop, Michael Meszaros, all the sitters, and especially Bronwyn Culshaw.
Patrick Culshaw
Exhibition Co-ordinator
Results of the
2009 MIFGS/ASV Sculpture Competition








1st prize $3,000 Jim Howson “Germination” sponsored by MIF&GS, Mitre 10 & ASV
















2nd prize $1,000 Jan Indrans “October” sponsored by
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch







3rd prize $250 Lise Toft “Flotsam” sponsored by
Bulleen Art and Garden











Emerging Sculptor $1000
Mary van den Broek
“Spring Racing” & body of work
sponsored by Without Pier Gallery














Highly Commended
Pauline Meade “Snow Gums”

















and
Jenny Steiner
“Case Moth Cocoons (II)”


















People’s Choice $500
Karen Herring “A Pair of Pears” Sponsored by ASV

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The catalogue images for MIF&GS 2009 are now up on the web site. Members can see their work on their profile page, and all works can be seen through the exhibition index.

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Presentation Evening
Not only are winners grinners - but everyone had a great time. A big thankyou and congratulations to Patrick for the coordination of the event and the exhibition.