Ipswich’s artists have produced a diverse and high showing of all forms of visual art at the 23rd annual Ipswich Art Awards.
After reviewing more than 350 artworks on opening night, a panel of esteemed judges announced Springfield artist Kaitlyn Turner’s acrylic and oil painting titled déjà vu as Best in Show.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sports Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said Turner’s work and all other pieces showcased an impressive array of talent that elevates Ipswich’s creative community to a state and national level.
“I am blown away by the level of talent that is on display at the exhibition; the judges had their work cut out for them as the volume and standard of entries this year was simply outstanding,” Cr Fechner said.
“I want to congratulate not just the winners and highly commended artists, but all entrants who have demonstrated that Ipswich has a thriving art scene that is competitive at the highest level.
“For a regional competition, we have seen artworks of an international standard across eight different categories, it is simply remarkable.”
Winners will share in $15,000 of prize money, with a further $1,500 still up from grabs in the People’s Choice award which closes when the exhibition ends on 29 May.
“Over the first three days we saw more than 500 people attend the exhibition with hundreds of those visitors casting their vote for the People’s Choice,” Cr Fechner said.
“If you have not already, head to level one of the Ipswich City Council administration building at 1 Nicholas Street to view the Ipswich Art Award’s free exhibition.
“While it is great to see our local artists get such recognition, the real winner now is our community which has the opportunity to discover the depth of local creative talent and support the artists by purchasing a local art.”
The judging panel consisted of Peter McKay who is the Curatorial Manager for Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and Bruce Heiser, a Brisbane based art dealer, valuer and researcher.
Winners of the 23rd Ipswich Art Awards
Painting: Acrylic and Oil
From Moment to Moment
Cathryn Crowe
Drawing and Pastels
Castle
Ryan Forster
Three Dimensions
Wilki Womserly
Lynda Faukner
Print Making (not digital)
Elegance and Prosperity
Chenaya Bancroft-Davis
Mixed Media
Salt of the Earth (Chaos)
Carmel Blackburn
Painting: Watercolour
Ladakhi Man
Shruti Kashikar
New Media
Towards Grey: The Dance of Entropy
Michael Elford
Photography
Column and Curves
Mandy Carter
Want to check out Ipswich’s fantastic artists? Head to the Dandiiri Room, Level 1, 1 Nicholas Street Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm or Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm.
Entry is free and no bookings are required. Artwork will be available for purchasing.
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