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Last Wednesday, coinciding with the opening of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, the Central Otago Art Society marked its 50th anniversary as an Incorporated Society. Originating in the early 1960s, it started as a small collective of passionate artists and art supporters from Alexandra, aiming to foster local arts. The society organised workshops, exhibitions, and classes, and worked towards becoming an incorporated entity. The group was formally established as the Central Otago Art Society (COAS) in 1974, adhering to a constitution that is still followed today - to promote art in Central Otago and to provide artists with opportunities to enhance their skills and display their work. The inaugural exhibition took place during the Alexandra Blossom Festival in 1963, a partnership that has been nurtured for the past 50 years. This year's Blossom Festival Art Exhibition is on show in the Henderson Gallery at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. Approximately 100 works by 52 artists spanning Otago and Southland are on show. 'Milestones' is the special category for this year. There are seven sponsored categories, six awards were presented on the opening night. Award winners were Premier Award, Dorothy Piper, Runner Up, Sarah Friedburger, Highly Commended Debbie Malcolm, Highly Commended Fiona Hughes, Special Category, Kim Bungard and Elizabeth Stevens Memorial Award, Susan Stewart. Voting for the People's Choice award is underway and the winner will be announced this week.