A BUMPER crowd attended the preview of the centre’s 2012 competition following the largest ever number of entries received by artists to exhibit their work.

In total the gallery team hung the work of a record 104 artists. The independent judging panel had the unenviable job of selecting the winners.

Due to the high standard of work and in order to include as many art genres as possible, the exhibition was extended into the main hall.

Jane Mackey, of Crewkerne, was overall winner for Red Path. She was thrilled to receive her prize of £300, having just set up a studio to work on her printing techniques after a break of 30 years.

Leo Davey, from Minehead, was awarded joint second along with Jenny Barron, of Watchet. Leo produced Spanish Ruin and Jenny created Old China. They both received £100.

The exhibition runs until Thursday, April 12, with opening times from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and then from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday. Admission is free.

The visitors’ choice award of £50 will be awarded at the end of the exhibition to the artist whose work is most popular with visitors. All four winners will be invited to participate in an open winners’ exhibition in January 2013.

Thanks go to Branston Ltd which has generously sponsored the prize for the past three years and whose support has encouraged many more artists to exhibit at the centre.

Branston general manager Ian Wait said: “We are absolutely delighted to support this event once again – and, indeed, in future years.

“The arts centre in Ilminster is a fantastic facility and we are very keen to support local art and our region’s talented artists.”

The centre’s visual arts co-ordinator, Sue Bishop, said: “The exhibition has really increased in popularity over the past three years and that is partly due to the generous sponsorship of Branston.

“The standard of entries is particularly high this year and the judges were hard-pushed to make a final decision. The resulting exhibition is first class and a tribute to the talent that exists in the South -West.”