Kym Barrett takes home first prize in premier art competition

Bundaberg’s annual Art Prize event had its gala opening on Friday September 16, with over $20,000 in prize money awarded to local standout artists. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Kym Barrett has been awarded the prestigious prize of overall winner at this year’s Bundaberg Art Prize, taking home the $10,000 prize.

Now one of the premier art competitions within Queensland, the annual event held every year in September catapults local and emerging artists into the professional art scene.

Kym Barrett took out the main prize this year with their work titled A Torn Memory – Presence and Absence.

A subtle yet evocative work, this charcoal and wax on paper piece captured the sense of natures fragility in the modern world.

Jayda Ward also took home the Young Emerging Artists prize with their piece Melodious Home, and was awarded $1000 towards their journey in the arts.

Judging took place throughout the week lead by Maryanne Coutts, the Head of Drawing at Sydney’s National Art School.

A key figure in the Australian artist community Mrs Coutts has been a past winner of the Portia Geach Memorial Award and a finalist in the Dobell Drawing Prize.

Other major prizes were awarded to:
Packing award
Tim Molloy – The Mathematician

3D Category
Highly commended: Nicole Jakins – Clouds
Winner: Tavita Havea – Silo

Digital Media
Highly commended: Charmaine Lyons – Specimen
Winner: Simon Robson – Ghost in the Machine

Works on Paper
Commended: Barbara Vivash – Early Morning at Bulcock Beach
Highly Commended: Tahlia Henderson – Forest Path Walk
Winner: Paul Neale – Working Dog Resting

Easel Works
Commended: Chris Poulsen – Anzac Pool
Highly Commended: Jo Williams – My Studio
Winner: Mick Brennan – Bubbles

See the winning artists and gallery attendee’s behind them below:

Kym Barrett took home the main prize of the evening.

Mick Brennan accepts his award for his work Bubbles.

Chris Poulsen accepts his award in the Easel Works category.

Tavita Havea accepts his award for winning the 3D category from sponsor John Learmonth and judge Maryanne Coutts.

Paul Neale accepts his award for Works on Paper from Alowishus Sponsor Tracey McPhee and judge Maryanne Coutts.

Jayda Ward accepts her award for Emerging Young Artist.

Tim Molloy accepts his prize for the Packing Award from Mick Brennan.

Ezra Steindl, Lucy Steindl and Shari Buckley.

Ann Delware and Sue Woods.

Rochelle Warhurst and Sharon Joiner.

Alix O‘Neil and Judy Waters pose next to Alix's painting.

Ange Miller, Tim Molloy and Louis Molloy.

Kieya Shewan and Amy Ahchay.

Kerry and Victor Aanensen.

Claire Walsh, George Stellmack and Mary Stellmack.

John and Colleen Helmore.

Lauren Fearne and Chris Bowden.

Steven Van Lierop and Laura Novak.

Samantha Ephraims poses in front of a work completed by her daughter, with her friend Perina McDonald.

Maea Havea and Maddy Havea pose in front a work that Maddy herself posed for.

Austin Bloesch

Kathryn Reidy and Alan Miller.

Macie and Tessa Cheetham.

Wendy Hanna and Sharlene Cheetham stand in front of Wendy's painting.

Vicki Anderson and Julia Gannon