Keen artists enjoyed cash prizes for their work as part of an annual community art exhibition, which came to a close this week.

Ham & High: LJCC curator Julia Weiner (centre) with Cheryl Goldhill and Theodore Matoff. Picture: Janette Hechel@LJCC.LJCC curator Julia Weiner (centre) with Cheryl Goldhill and Theodore Matoff. Picture: Janette Hechel@LJCC. (Image: Archant)

The fourth instalment of the London Jewish Cultural Centre’s three-week Art House exhibition, recognising Jewish art talent, closed today at the LJCC’s base in Ivy House, North End Road, Golders Green.

A panel of curators invited submissions from artists across the UK for the exhibition and selected 112 paintings, photographs, etchings, collages and tapestries to hang all over Ivy House.

The panel comprised Julia Weiner, curator of LJCC exhibitions, Patrick Bade, senior tutor in Christie’s education department, and Iain Barratt, director of the Catto Gallery, in Heath Street, Hampstead.

They selected three prize-winners and commended several other artists who were recognised at a reception and private view for all entrants at the LJCC on Wednesday last week.

LJCC chief executive Louise Jacobs said: “Art House is one of the LJCC’s favourite annual events. There are many artists in the community who have never, or rarely, been given the opportunity to be publicly displayed.

“Thanks to our generous sponsor, through this exhibition we have been able to provide that opportunity, bringing colour and life to the walls of Ivy House.”

The overall winner of this year’s competition was Theodore Matoff, who took home £2,000 for his acrylic on canvas work, Mort in the Garden.

In second place was Hampstead Garden Suburb resident Aileen Jampel, of Edmunds Walk, who won £1,000 for her etching The Street, while Sara Cutler picked up the £500 third prize for her oil on canvas, Perplexed.

There was also a new People’s Choice award this year voted for by visitors to the exhibition, which was shared by Cheryl Goldhill and Rafi Masher.

Three local artists were also highly-commended for their work. These artists were Helena Gross, of Hampstead Way, the Suburb, Adrian Dell, of Litchfield Way, the Suburb, and West Hampstead resident Frances Balcombe.

All of the prize-winning and commended work will be exhibited at the Catto Gallery in January.