A GREAT LOT OF TALENT: Arts council secretary Norma Fowler, Ariel Elliott, Nancy Ismay, Bill Neubeck and Francis Thew (Ironfest)
THE achievements of four district residents were recognised when the Greater Lithgow Arts Council held its June Cultural Award Ceremony at the Lithgow Library.
The audience was told that once again the awards ‘recognised, rewarded and encouraged’ excellence in Performing, Visual and Creative Arts and Crafts in the Greater Lithgow area.
The Student Award went to Nancy Ismay, a finalist in last year’s awards, who has continued to perform at a high level in Violin.
She studies at the Conservatorium of Music under the tutelage of Peter Avery.
She is currently studying at 6th Grade level and performed at the Simon Tedeschi Concert in the Uniting Church Lithgow with the Bathurst Orchestra.
The adult recipient was Ariel Elliott, a local artist, who held an exhibition of her portraiture of local women to celebrate International Women’s Day. Ariel also plays saxophone in the local Jazz Group. She is presently experimenting in abstract art.
The Group Recipient was Ironfest Apocalypse, which was held over two days in April, attracting a crowd of over 40 000 people. Ironfest, which is unique to Lithgow, showcases the talent of local and international groups. A highlight is the Battle of Lithgow.
This year, Ironfest also sponsored a singer/songwriter competition that preceded the showground event, taking place in the Courthouse Hotel. The winner of the final was Laura Zarb.