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The rich and varied talent of artists living in the South West was celebrated at the opening of the Thelma Hulbert Gallery latest exhibition in Honiton.

Prizes were awarded to the winning exhibitors during the opening of the gallery’s THG Open 2014, recently.

The main prize went to artists Sara Dudman and Debbie for their work Sheep Cam in Barn 00.45 – 02.25, which received a unanimous vote from the panel of judges.

They received the £300 top prize, which was sponsored by Bearnes, Hampton and Littlewood Auctioneers.

The two artists have been working together for over 18 months exploring and developing innovative methods of capturing and reinterpreting the relationships between a Blackdown Hills sheep farmer and his flock.

Runners up prizes were presented to Jo Golesworthy with her sculpture MOTE and Jez Heeler with his sculpture Water-borne.

The other prizes were sponsored by Bradleys Estate Agents and Haughty Culture florists. The prizes were presented by East Devon District Council’s culture member champion Cllr John O’Leary.

The curator of the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Angela Blackwell, said: “This year drew a record number of applications from artists across the region.

“There is such a wealth of talent in the South West and THG is always keen to support and encourage emerging Devon-based artists.”

Visitors to the gallery also got to have their say and vote for their favourite work to win the visitors’ choice prize. They were also treated to a cream tea served up by Wilmington’s Home Farm Hotel.

The opening also saw the launch of a new competition to win a champagne lunch for two, donated by the award-winning Combe House Hotel. Any purchaser of an artwork from the exhibition will be entered into the prize draw.

The THG Open 2014 runs until August 23. Admission is free, donation are welcome.