The Park Art Competition came to an exciting conclusion with announcement of the winners at a VIP event on Saturday 14th September. Over the summer, local artists had been capturing their “inspiring elements” of either Bushy or Home Park in the first ever Park Art competition, run in partnership between the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks (FBHP) and Landmark Arts Centre.

The shortlisted entries were exhibited at the Landmark Arts Centre 12-15 September, and everyone was invited to come and vote for their favourite artwork for the “People’s Choice Award”. It was a difficult decision as there were over 100 pictures to choose from. It estimated that over 500 people attended the exhibition over the 4 days, enjoying the art, but also 60 wildlife photos, which included FBHP Calendar 2025 photographic winners.

Artists were asked to comment on what inspired them. Aya Nouwailati said “It was challenging finding just one element in Bushy Park to paint. In my artwork, I decided to include all the elements of Bushy Park that make this wonderful park feel like home. For example, the oak leaves from the majestic oak trees, the parasol mushrooms and blackberries that pop out on late summers, the ferns, the pinecones, and the historic Bushy House which once housed King William IV. I have included the main animals. The red deer is a classic symbol and belongs front and centre, the jackdaws on the antlers symbolise the symbiotic friendship between the two, and of course the classic grey squirrel.”

As well as the People’s Choice Award there were 4 categories judged by a panel of judges. This included Nadia Day, a celebrated park-scape local artist and Emily Burton MA, a renowned artist and an art teacher at the Landmark for 18 years. Emily said, “I’m very impressed with the quality of the submissions.” Nadia added “it’s amazing the variety of subjects and approaches used”. They were joined by representatives from FBHP and Landmark, plus Eleanor Evetts, who is a Park Ranger in Home Park for Historic Royal Palaces. These are the winners the judges chose:

The winners in each category and the “People’s Choice Award” received:

• a cash prize (supported by Teddington Community Lottery)
• a goodie bag donated by Cass Art (Kingston)
• Free 12-month membership to the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks plus a guided nature/history walk
• Historic Royal Palaces day tickets (Donated by HRP)

Runners up and highly commended also received cash prizes or a Colicci voucher.

Rebecca Harvey who organised the event for FBHP said “I’m immensely pleased with the positive reaction by the local artists to this competition and their way their artworks reflect their love for our beautiful parks. We’ve received such lovely comments from the huge amount of visitors to the exhibition, many of which had not visited the Landmark Arts Centre before. It’s great to show what two community-based organisation can do when they work together. The volunteers support to run the event has been fabulous too. I just want to add a huge thanks to everyone for their support and making the competition a success in its first year.”

Our thanks go to following organisations for their support in running this community art competition: Landmark Art Centre, Teddington Community Lottery and Colicci’s.