Heart-warming success for student art prize winners

A South Australian Sturt Pea, banded anteater and ruby bonnet fungi were just some of the winning artworks from the inaugural WildheART Student Art Prize.

From Cairns to Logan almost 500 entrants were received from young Queensland artists with 10 winners announced at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden on Saturday September 17.

The incredible talent of 40 finalists and winners is on display at the Arts and Ecology Centre in this stunning exhibition capturing our unique Australian plants and animals.

Entrants were invited to submit an artwork featuring Australian native flora, fauna and fungi, with a special category for threatened species.

Sunshine Coast veterinarian, artist and WildheART competition judge Dr Amber Gillett said the art prize was a great success.

“It was challenging to decide winners from the incredible group of young finalists,” Dr Gillett said.

“Congratulations to all winners, finalists and participants. I loved seeing your beautiful artworks featuring our native plants and animals.

“Art competitions such as the WildheART Student Art Prize are a great chance to celebrate the stars of our natural eco-systems and get kids engaged in caring for the environment.”

Sunshine Coast Council Acting Environment Operations Manager Ms Denise Lindon congratulated all student entries.

“One winner was selected from each age category in all three age divisions, with $3000 in prizes divided among them – and it was a tough competition” Ms Lindon said.

“So much focus, time and effort has gone into each piece – the commitment is inspiring.

“And the talent on display is incredible. Some of the artists were younger than eight.

“This art prize is a great opportunity to foster young talent and create awareness of Australia’s native plants and animals.

“I encourage everyone to get down to the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden and view the finalists’ works on display.”

The WildheART Student Art Prize Finalists will be on display from 10am-2pm daily at the Arts & Ecology Centre at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden until Sunday, October 3. CLOSED 22 September. Entry is free.

For more information, visit the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens website.

WILDHEART STUDENT ART PRIZE WINNERS:

Best Flora and Fungi category:

8yrs and under Winner:  Grace C (South Australian Sturt Pea)

School winner: Art Farm Studios (Baringa)

13 yrs and under winner: Shaya M (Ruby bonnet fungi)

School winner: Nambour Christian College

18 yrs and under winner: Lilli B (Leratiomyces ceres)

School winner: Meridan State College

Best Fauna category:

8yrs and under Winner: Anya A (Sooty owl)

School winner: Kedron State School

13 yrs and under winner: Imani D (Kookaburra)

School winner: Burnside State High School

18 yrs and under winner: Thea-Bella T (Australian brush turkey)

School winner: Queensland Home Education Unit

Best Threatened Species category:

8yrs and under Winner: Eli D (Numbat (Banded anteater))

School winner: Paintbox Art School (Buderim)

13 yrs and under winner: Maito T (Pigmy possum)

School winner: Art101 studio (Brisbane)

18 yrs and under winner: Jazmyn G (Green and golden bell frog)

School winner: Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Wildcard: Lilly C (13 years and under) (Stick insects various species)

School winner: Maleny High School