Woollam Art on Show Awards 2024 in Mackay | What you need to know
A Mackay artist said he never “in a million years” expected his small study of the Pioneer Valley to draw much attention, before it was selected as overall show winner by a respected gallery director. SEE THE LIST OF WINNERS
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A respected gallery director selected a small painting of a hinterland scene familiar to those in the Mackay region at the highly anticipated annual Woollam Art on Show Awards.
Milton House Gallery owner and painter Bradley Short said he was surprised to be selected as overall winner for his piece Plein Air Study Eungella, which depicts the view from the mountains down the Pioneer Valley.
“I did not expect it in a million years, it’s just a study, so when a judge of that caliber, coming in, (picks you) I’ve got to say it was a really wonderful feeling for myself,” he said.
“The Pioneer Valley is something very special to all of us in Mackay, it’s one of the most beautiful things we have and when you look down the valley, it’s just mesmerising.”
Director of Gallery and Visual Arts at Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, Susi Muddiman, said she was drawn to the work as it was “really painterly, atmospheric, and with great tonal qualities”.
“In my opening regards when I announced the winner, I even said it was beautifully framed (but) I didnt know that Bradley is a framer,” she said.
“That was a bit funny!”
She said that “for such a small work, it had such a great narrative” showing the view and “following a waterway or a road through the valley”, and was impressed by the support shown for local artists in Mackay.
Ms Muddiman has more than 25 years of experience in the arts sector during which she has curated myriad exhibitions and contributed to numerous committees, judging panels and advisory panels.
With more than 250 local and interstate works on exhibition as well as for sale, there is $12,000 in prize money up for grabs across five sections including $3000 for the overall winner.
The competition officially kicked off at 6.30pm Friday at the 500 Pavilion at Mackay Showgrounds and will be open until Monday with a gold coin on entry.
If something catches your eye you can buy it with all pieces on show up for sale.
On Saturday, there will be plenty of live demonstrations and activities on offer to inspire artists from the budding to the experienced with the return of Artists in Residence, Pioneer Potters, Mackay Art Society, Printbank Mackay alongside newcomers YarnBomb Mackay.
Artspace Mackay curator Lauren Turton will also host a floortalk on artists’ books from 2 to 3pm.
The Art on Show competition has attracted more than 8000 entries since its inception in 2006 and has given established and emerging artists opportunities to further their careers.
Winners
Overall Winner – Woollam Art on Show Award 2024
Prize $3000
Artist: Bradley Short
Title of Work: Plein Air Study Eungella
Local Artist Award
Prize $1200
Artist: Sam Pennisi
Title of Work: Banksia Banquet
Section 1 – Easel Painting Award
1st Prize $1000
Artist: Catherine Clark Dowden
Title of Work: Like My Mama
Highly Commended $350
Artist: Bonny Shore
Title of Work: Across the Bay
Commended $150
Artist: Loren Boyd
Title of Work: The Opening Act
Section 2 – Daly Bay Works on Paper Award
1st Prize $1000
Artist: Andrea Michele Chapman
Title of Work: Billy and his kid
Highly Commended $350
Artist: Pamela Berrigan
Title of Work: King of the bush
Commended $150
Artist: Katherin Murray
Title of Work: Keswick Island
Section 3 – 7 Mackay Local News Miniature Award
1st Prize $1000
Artist: Kate Jacobsen
Title of Work: The ceramic collection
Highly Commended $350
Artist: It Hao Pheh
Title of Work: A Walk to Remember
Commended $150
Artist: Susan Joyce
Title of Work: Just Before Dusk
Section 4 – North Jacklin Emergent Artist Award
1st Prize $500
Artist: Hayley Said
Title of Work: Portrait
Highly Commended $250
Artist: Georgia Farlow
Title of Work: Endemic 3
Commended $150
Artist: Suviahka Sella Kapu
Title of Work: In the shadow of the Sea
Included in Section 4 – Keith’s Mean Machine Excavations
Emergent Artists Arts Practice Award
Prize $500
Artist: Hayley Said
Title of Work: Portrait
Section 5 – Artists’ Book Award
1st Prize $1,000
Artist: Pam Slattery
Title of Work: The Little Book of Australian Rainforest Birds
Highly Commended $350
Artist: Avril Makula
Title of Work: Transit (orange)
Commended $150
Artist: Traci Ann Lietzke
Title of Work: Can it be mended?
To find out more about the awards and check out previous winning entries, visit artonshow.com.au
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Originally published as Woollam Art on Show Awards 2024 in Mackay | What you need to know
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