By Juliano Oliveira
Southern Downs artists have the chance to reach stardom as entry forms are now available at Warwick Art Gallery and online.
“pARTicipate” celebrates all regions’ creativity from emerging youth art to professional practising artisans from 19th November 2021 to 22nd December. Artists aged ten years and over are encouraged to complete an entry form until 5th November. Sixteen awards will be on offer.
Ms Rachel Arndt, recently appointed as the Somerset Regional Art Gallery Director, will judge the works in seven media categories – drawing, ceramics, mixed media, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles.
There are special awards for youth entries, encouragement and an overall winner who will receive $1000.
Gallery Director Karina Devine explains the decision to merge the formerly separate youth and adult artists’ awards to become this year’s exhibition called pARTicipate.
“The young artists’ work that we see at the Gallery at our Wednesday afternoon classes and in the annual exhibition of student work from Warwick State High School reveals that there are some very passionate and accomplished young artists in our community”, says Ms Devine.
“Their willingness to experiment with the media and reflect on current events is very inspirational and worthy of sharing alongside other artists. Our Gallery is a beautifully flexible space, and I am looking forward to curating the works to present each artist’s work at its best.”
This year’s exhibition counts on the assistance of local businesses and the community: Assumption College Warwick, Maxwell Lancaster Solicitors, Warwick Credit Union, Rose City Shoppingworld, Condamine Accountants, Warwick Friendly Society, The Hon David Littleproud MP Federal Member for Maranoa, Mapstone Geotechnical Services, Goomburra Valley Campground, Geoff and Gillian Knott and the Goomburra Valley Happy Hour.
“Artists, and friends or family of artists, are urged to take part in this wonderful exhibition opportunity. The Gallery is mindful of how intimidating competitions can be for emerging artists and is committed to making it a positive experience for all entrants”, says Ms Devine.
