Jelly favorite whets appetite for new public award as city splashes $133,500 on six paintings

The Rockhampton Museum of Art got its just desserts when it paid $13,500 for a painting of a lump of vibrant red jelly as one of six new artworks worth $133k.

John Honeywill (b. 1952), Cupola2023, oil on linen, 92 x 92 cm. Philip Bacon Galleries.

The Rockhampton Museum of Art got its just desserts this week when it acquired a $13,500 painting of a lump of vibrant red jelly as one of six new artworks worth $133,500.

That oil on linen piece by John Honeywill, named Cupola 2023, caught the eye as one of the standout entries in this year’s Gold Awards and its inclusion in the RMOA’s latest acquisitions was applauded at yesterday’s Rockhampton Regional Council meeting.

The six paintings from the $50,000 Gold Awards, the richest painting prize in Queensland, included Highly Commended work The sun never sets; so we daydream by Ryan Presley but it was the jelly that grabbed the attention of councilors.

Following debate it may possibly spawn a new community choice award on the suggestion of Cr Edward Oram.

“I’m so glad we got the jelly,” he said to laughter from around the council table.

“When we have the Gold Awards can we have the possibility of a public choice award to use to acquire it as well given the jelly was so popular?

“There might be something else at the next Gold Awards they (the public) might like to see us purchase as it is their art gallery as well.”

The six works were selected by RMOA Collection Advisory Group led by director Jonathan McBurnie and funded entirely by philanthropic donations.

Rockhampton Museum of Art Philanthropy board chair Dr Leonie Gray said almost all the funds were provided by the 2024 Gold Patrons with support from the museum’s gift fund.

“The greatest joy of being a Gold Award patron is knowing that you are part of the rich tapestry of philanthropy that has shaped and will continue to shape and grow the Rockhampton Museum of Art collection, a collection that will be enjoyed and treasured by the community now and for generations to come,” she said.

The Gold Patron campaign is run in conjunction with each Gold Award to raise funds to grow and refresh the RMOA collection.

Gold Patron 2026 will be open for donors in the near future.

The most outstanding work is awarded a cash prize of $50,000 and the artwork is acquired to the Rockhampton Museum of Art collection.

The winner of the 2024 Gold Award was Cairns/Gimuy based artist Rosella Namok for her work Old Gals Yarnin’ I-III.