Marie Dyson Award 2019

The assessor for the Marie Dyson Award 2019 was Diana Seidl, artist and author.

Joint Winners

Diana said: “I am delighted to judge the Marie Dyson Award this year. It is just over 50 years since this prize was first inaugurated. Being Head of the Arts Faculty at Pangbourne College for 25 years gave me experience of lots of different styles of artistic expression.”

Congratulations to joint winners, new RGA member Calina Lefter with her large mixed media piece Breakfast and Chris Mercier, third-time Marie Dyson Award winner, with his arresting drawing Victor Rows Out.

Unfortunately, Chris wasn’t able to attend the Private View when the Awards were announced, but Calina said: “The most wonderful surprise for me today at the Sir John Madejski Gallery at Reading Museum! Even when I heard my name I didn’t understand exactly what happened. I cannot express how grateful I am for being selected as the joint winner of the Marie Dyson Award this year. Thank you to Diana Seidl for her wonderful words about my work, and to Reading Museum for this magnificent opportunity to be one of the exhibiting artists in their prestigious gallery. I would also like to add my warm thanks to the lovely artists of the Reading Guild, they welcomed me from the beginning.”

Commended