ART aficionados from all over Fife are flocking to the Lochgelly Centre to view what’s on show at Fife Art 2014, a huge event for amateur artists all over the region.

The exhibition, which is in its 31st year, runs until 26th November and showcases the works from Fife artists trying to make a name for themselves. Around 6000 people visit the exhibition every year, with the 2014 event being held in the Lochgelly Centre for the second time since 2012, while last year’s event took place in Kirkcaldy.

This year’s event was launched on Friday 10th October, where the six winners were announced at the special prize-giving ceremony. Theresa Angus, George Alexander Aitken, Maureen Sangster, Marlene Patrick, Fred Barbour and John Stewart all received a Shell award of £200 in addition to the purchase price of their artwork.

Lesley-Anne Lettice, exhibitions and outreach curator at the Kirkcaldy Galleries, is not surprised that people come back year after year. “It’s one of the highlights of the Fife arts calendar and one of the largest amateur arts events in Scotland,” she said. “There are around 300 to 400 entrants each year and it’s open to all residents in Fife as long as they’ve had no formal art training.” The artwork is made from a variety of methods, from paintings and photography to ceramic and glass. Everything on display is for sale, a condition of entry, and all the finalists have their work showcased in the gallery. Six winners are picked by independent judges and all their pieces are purchased by sponsors Shell UK and given to NHS Fife to be shown around and displayed for the public to see at various healthcare centres around the area.

According to Lesley-Anne, the exhibition is a great way for budding artists to put their work on the map. “One of our most famous winners from many years ago was Jack Vettriano,” she said. “It’s one of the things we bring people in on, that the people taking part often go on to bigger and better things. Not everyone will end up making a living from what they do but it’s a big deal and something that we are really proud of, and the local people are proud of.

“We’ve had good feedback and it’s great for people to be able to hang their paintings in a proper gallery.”