Sponsored by Ramelius Resources, Kellerberrin’s Black Ant Art Gallery was overflowing for the official opening of the 2019 Wheatbelt Art Prize, with artists, residents and sponsors enjoying over 150 pieces of local art on display.
Speaking of the event, held on Friday 1 November, Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA was delighted with the turnout and the quality of artwork entered.
“The creativity, imagination and enthusiasm with which our Wheatbelt artists embrace this event is wonderful.
“Arts play a significant and often underestimated role in maintaining vibrant, well balanced regional communities,” Ms Davies said.
Hon Martin Aldridge MLC, who MC’d the event, said that culture and the arts were vital to regional communities, and formed an essential part of our social fabric, sense of being and cultural identity.
Kellerberrin artist Robert McCaffrey won the major prize of $3,500 for a work titled ‘Recycled Luxe’, a magnificent gown made from plastic shopping bags. Other award winners announced on the night were:
‘Notes for an Angus Bull’, by Den Scheer – Works on Paper
‘Flowers for Margaret’, by Aaron Eacott – Works on Canvas
‘Recycled Luxe’, by Robert McCaffrey – Works on any other Medium
‘Nature’s Crowning Glory’, by Laura Appleton – Textiles
‘Energies & Vibrations’, by Anne Ashman – Sculpture & 3D
‘Muted Bloom’, by Steph Chapman – Photography Open Theme
‘Standing Tall’, by Jenny Utting – Photography Collgar Wind Farm Theme
The People’s Choice Award, voted by those in attendance on the night, went to local Kellerberrin artist Lee’Anne Innes for her work titled ‘Kooljaman – Cape Leveque’.
Ms Davies said it was a pleasure to create and host an event to showcase the talent of artists living in the electorate of Central Wheatbelt.
“The event has expanded over the years and it’s wonderful to see artists entering from all over the electorate, Boddington, Northam, Quairading, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Wongan Hills and everywhere in between,” she said.
“We were pleased to hold the event in Kellerberrin for the first time this year and appreciate the support we received from the Shire to promote and hold it locally.
“My thanks go to the generous sponsors for the category prizes, and to those that came along to celebrate with the artists on the night,” Ms Davies concluded.
The event was also sponsored by Arc Infrastructure, Collgar Windfarm, Risen Solar Technology, CBH Group, The Nationals WA Hon Martin Aldridge MLC and Hon Colin de Grussa MLC, Kellerberrin Farmers Co-op, Peter Jackson Funeral Directors, Avon Valley Toyota, RSM, Country Chemist Goomalling, and Eco Lifestyle Villages Northam.
The exhibition will remain open for two weeks and the artworks are for sale.