Whitsundays Art Prize Winners Announced
Whitsundays Arts Festival is delighted to announce the winners of the Whitsundays Art Prize Exhibition.
The prize winners were selected by guest judge Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director, Gallery & Visual Arts at HOTA Home of the Arts Gold Coast, who said of the Exhibition:
“Art Prizes are an integral part of the arts landscape in Australia. They provide an opportunity for local, emerging, and mid-career artists to be displayed together and often bring new talent to light. They offer professional development, potential income and importantly exposure for artists and their work to a broad audience.”
“This year’s Whitsundays Art Prize is no different. With a healthy prize purse and works from around Australia the theme of Memories was a great initiative for artists with storytelling central to the subjects and the use of medium. It was impressive to see such strong entries from local artists as they compete with their national counterparts.”
The major prize was won by Justin Telfer from Mullumbimby, for his work ‘Nullabor Crossing.’ Justin was awarded the $5,000 major prize, and his work will be acquired into the Whitsundays Regional Council Art Collection.
Councillor Jan Clifford with winning artwork 'Nullabor Crossing' by Mullumbimby artist Justin Telfor, who was unable to attend. Image by Andrew Pattinson.
Exhibition Coordinator Glenda Brown says “We are honoured to be bringing art to the heart of Airlie Beach. Supporting these incredible artists and showcasing works from around Australia in our beautiful region, the Whitsundays Arts Festival exists to highlight art and arts practice.”
In only its second year, the Whitsundays Art Prize is a vibrant visual arts award, incorporating painting and sculpture, and reflects the extraordinary creative practice across our region and from around Australia. This year, the Exhibition includes 70 works from 63 Australian artists, working in 2D and 3D mediums.
Held in the Elbow Room at the Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach overlooking the ocean and islands, the Exhibition is centred on the theme of ‘Memories.’
The 2022 judging panel was led by Tracy Cooper Lavery, who was joined by interdisciplinary artist Mary Ann Santin of ARI Whitsundays, and Kate O’Hara, Director of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts.
Winners were announced at the Opening Night on Friday 23 September, and the gallery at Coral Sea Resort will remain open from 23 September to 30 September. Attendees will also be able to vote for their favourite art piece in the ‘People’s Choice Award.'
The full finalist gallery is also available online for interested parties to view and purchase works from.
Congratulations to all of the prize winners and finalists from around Australia for the Whitsundays Art Prize.
ART PRIZE WINNERS
Whitsundays Regional Arts Prize | Prize $5,000 (Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Whitsundays Regional Council
Winner: Justin Telfer for ‘Nullabor Crossing’
Local Artist Award | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Tassal Group
Winner: Jacqui Henderson for ‘Summer Holiday’
2D Works on Paper Award | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Your Business Angels
Winner: Tanya Coventry for ‘February’
2D Painting Award | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Amanda Camm MP
Winner: Lyn Laver-Ahmat for ‘Shallow Reef Garden’
3D Sculpture Award | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Stephanie McWhirter Ray White
Winner: Barry Smith for ‘Security’
Young Artist Award (16 - 25 Years) | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Wilmar Sugar
Winner: Cameron Letta for ‘Red Gum’
R&K Kenyon Award | Prize: Picture Framing (valued at $200) | Sponsored by R&K Kenyon Framing
Winner: Java Small for ‘Meerkat’ | Submission from the Junior Whitsundays Art Exhibition
People's Choice Award | Prize: $1,000 (Non-Acquisitive) | Sponsored by Bendigo Bank
Winner: Guzaliya Xavier for ‘Memories II’
Judge Tracy Cooper-Lavery also nominated Harold Bowen for a ‘Highly Commended Award’ for his work ‘Gumoy (Spawning of the Reef)’.
