The Grafton Show

At the beginning of this month, my family and I went to the local show. My Mum had entered quite a few paintings, drawings, scrapbooking pages, and cards. My two younger sisters also entered a few pieces of art. I decided to only enter in two drawings this year.

My first picture here was entered in the 'Novice' section - which is a section for people who have either never entered in the show before, or had never won a prize. Alas, it didn't win, but it was fun to draw, anyway!

This second drawing (again, of a baby) was entered in the portrait section. You can probably imagine my excitement when I saw that it had won something: Second Prize!

My family even had a little write-up about our entries for the local paper. Feel free to read it here:

http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/maher-family-collects-seven-ribbons-at-grafton-agr/2627001/

Unfortunately, on the day of the show, it was raining! We went in the morning, but while we were there it really began to bucket down. After only a short amount of time, we decided to head home (after grabbing a bite to eat, of course). We didn't end up going back, so we didn't try any of the rides that were there. I wouldn't have, anyway, in the rain, but it really was a shame. I felt sorry for the people who had taken all that time and effort to transport food stalls and rides, only to have the weather mess it up.

Even with the rain, however, we had a thoroughly good time browsing through the art, seeing what other peoples' art styles were. We were truly impressed by some of the photography that was entered - there is definitely a lot of artistic talent around Grafton.

New Art-Related Blog!

Hey everyone,

I've started up a new blog for my artsy things! I haven't posted any of my new drawings yet, but as soon as I am able to I will!

The link is:

http://artbyhelena.blogspot.com.au/

Enjoy!

Do you do anything artsy? Sewing, drawing, painting, or anything?

The Crystal Brook Show

I can't remember what happened at last year's annual show at Crystal Brook show... but I think I'll always remember what happened this year!
We arrived (on time, might I add) to Crystal Brook to start our performance (with the Clare Valley Concert Band), after our first 'set', we went for a walk, and then returned to play our second set. After that, it was lunch. I had the brilliance of a large chocolate thick shake.. yuuumm...
Then, we went to look at the artwork. As soon as I entered the pavilion, I looked up, and said;
"Mum! My David Tennant picture won a prize!"

First Prize! (In the portrait section)

Of course, Mum replied with "What? You can see it (the picture) already?"
I was surprised too, since it was at the opposite end of the pavilion!

When we reached the part where all of my drawings were, I'll admit it, I was disappointed. In 3 out of the 4 categories I entered in, I was the only one to enter, ah well. The only section that had other entries in it was the 'open' (anything) section. All in all, I entered 12 drawings.

Second Prize (In the portrait section)

Third Prize (In the portrait section)

First Prize (Animals)

Second Prize (Animals)

Third Prize (Animals)

First Prize (Black & White Drawing)

Second Prize (Black & White Drawing)

Third Prize (Black & White Drawing)

First Prize (Open)

Third Prize (Open)

No Prize (Open)

And because I won the most prizes in the '17 years and under' section, I got a 'trophy'!

But that wasn't all! After we looked at the art in the pavillion, we went off to see whether we could find a hat stand (Mum wanted a hat). Dad found one, and there was a hat there (no surprises there). But the thing is, that this hat was one I had been looking for for months!

I've had the one on the left (the pink one) for a few years,
but I always wanted a black one as well!

So, yes, I was very very happy! But then, as I was walking along with Mum, I hear Daniel calling out to me, and see him beckoning. I walk over to see what in the world he wanted me for. He showed me a competition for the intermediate rural ambassador (I don't have to do anything, it was just a fun competition on the day).
I filled out a form with my name, age, school (homeschool!), where I live, and some hobbies and interests.
Then, I went up and answered a few questions.
"So, you play clarinet, does that take a lot of effort?" (person asking questions)
"Yeah, I practice for around 1-2 hours every day." (me)

"Is drawing a big part of your life?"
"Well, I draw quite a lot, in fact, I've entered quite a few drawings today, and I've won a heap of prizes"

"What do you want to do after you finish homeschooling?"
"I hope to go to university to continue my study of clarinet"

Those were the three questions I was asked, and my three answers! Then, the judges talked for a few minutes, and the winners were called out.

"The runner-up is Daniel!" (his prize was $20)
"The winner is Helena!"

Here's my ribbon;

My badge/ribbon

Then, after one more set of playing in the band, we started packing up to go home. We went for a quick skwizzee through the pet shed, and what do you think we found?
There were border collie pups for sale! (their mother was a pure-bred border collie, their father was a kelpie)
They were $80, and guess what? We bought one!

Our new dog, Crystal

So yes, all in all, it was a brilliant day!