Local art prize finalists revealed

Image: Chris Blake, The Dicky's last days (detail), 2019, pastel, 78 x 45cm. Courtesy of the artist.

From more than 100 entries, 40 finalists have been selected for the 2020 Local Artists - Local Content Art Prize exhibition, which will open at Caloundra Regional Gallery on January 16.

The finalist works represent a range of medium, style and subject matter, and are all representative of the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

An initiative of The Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra Inc. which began six years ago, the Local Artists - Local Content Art Prize offers the opportunity for artists on the Sunshine Coast to showcase their works and compete for prizes totalling $13,500.

Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said Local Artists - Local Content was a terrific window into the studios of our local artists; it’s great insight into what’s hot and what’s not in terms of issues and styles.

“Our thanks and congratulations go to all 100 entrants and especially to the 40 finalists selected for this year’s exhibition,” Cr Baberowski said.

“This special art prize is really important in generating new work and I look forward to seeing all the artworks and who the winners will be.”

The Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra. Inc president Marie Pigott said the exhibition had become a much anticipated highlight of the gallery's program, annually showcasing a broad range of visual arts practice on the Sunshine Coast.

“We are incredibly proud to host this exhibition and appreciate the support we receive from the Sunshine Coast Council, gallery staff and importantly, our generous local sponsors,” Ms Pigott said.

“Thanks to the many talented artists who continually support this prize and to the Friends Committee who volunteer their time.

“We gratefully acknowledge our major sponsors, Mary Henzell Investments and Mark and Judy McArdle, who have been supportive since inception, and Geoff Lyons, Solicitor, who kindly sponsors the People’s Choice Award.

“We look forward to announcing the winners at the official opening and winners’ announcement on Friday 17 January, 5.30-8pm.”

The judge for this year’s art prize is Phil Smith, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the arts including delivering visual art pop-up exhibitions and opening exhibitions for local artists.

In his former role as a Sunshine Coast Council Arts Advisory Board member, Smith opened the gallery’s exhibition Mangaan: gather, gathers, gathering and was involved in developing the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan. He is a director of the Creative Arts Alliance and former Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance president.

The community also has the chance to vote for their favourite artwork with the People’s Choice Award winner to be announced on 5 March 2020.

Prizes

• Best of Show: $5000 prize, sponsored by Mary Henzell Investments Pty Ltd
• Best Oil or Acrylic: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark McArdle and Judy McArdle
• Best Watercolour: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark McArdle and Judy McArdle
• Best Mixed/Other Medium: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark McArdle Judy McArdle and Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra.
• Best Three-Dimensional: $2000 prize, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
• People’s Choice Award: $500 prize, sponsored by Geoff Lyons Solicitors Pty Ltd

The Local Artists - Local Content finalists

Marvene AshJudith Laws

Michael AugustineBen Lucas

Michaelah Ariel BaburinJeffrey Manning

Sine BlackGrace McClymont

Chris BlakeCheryl McGannon

Jandamarra CaddKen Munsie

Elizabeth CloutJason Murphy

Megan CorrieJo Murray

Johanna DeMaineMargi Parry

Libby DerhamLinda Pollard

Amanda DicksonChristopher Postle

Rowley DrysdaleTory Richards

Jude FernandesJan Roebuck

Carol ForsterPhil Rolton

Robyn Gaudion Judith Rosenberg

Barry GreenDianne Smith

Fiona GroomGeorges Soler

Kim HerringeJames Stickland

Bernadine Hine Mieke van den Berg

Jonathan JonesNicole Voevodin-Cash

The exhibition will be on display from January 16 until March 1, 2020.

For more information on exhibitions, the Friends and public programs visit council’s gallery website – gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Owned and operated by Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Regional Gallery is located at 22 Omrah Avenue and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 2pm.