BRIGHT Art Gallery has officially opened its Summer ART Awards Exhibition, with local artists last month applauded for their talent and skill across a range of mediums. Gallery exhibitions coordinator Annemarie Wiegerinck said the panel of three judges - Kathy Ellem, Mieke Boynton and Elizabeth Masters - had a difficult time choosing the winners from the many amazing entries. “We had many attend the opening night, locals and visitors alike enjoyed the evening,” Ms Wiegerinck said. “The Grand Acquisitive Prize went to a ceramic antique ware mosaic piece by Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan. “The judges said it was a quirky, clever, original and confidently crafted piece with bold colour and an expression of joyous whimsy and had been masterfully constructed. “They said all the individual elements provide enjoyment but when viewed as a whole, the cockatoo is clearly evident, with its inherent cheekiness and sass, it is a brilliant piece. “The winner of the Oils and Acrylics was ‘Sacred Ground, Mt Pilot Chiltern’ by Wodonga artist Astrid Bruning. “The Watercolour and Pastel was won by talented Mount Beauty artist Shirley Hall. “Mixed Medium was won by local artist Anne McCallum with a highly commended going to Danielle Dalkin from Mount Beauty for an amazing pictorial assembly. “Bright’s photographer Helen Brecknell took out the photography prize and the Sculptural Art was won by Rosemary Brigden for the amazing ‘Ned Kelly Chess Set’. “The Best Ceramic Art was won by Glenrowan ceramicist Sue Haag.” The highly anticipated winner of the Youth Art Prize - Age 12 to 17, was ‘Lost’ by Lennie Rae. “The judge’s commented that the artist demonstrated a sensitive affinity with the subject,” Ms Wiegerinck said. “They said there is a soft wistfulness in the gaze of the dog which complements the free and immediate brush strokes of the artist. “The colour tones and use of a restrained palette of colour gives a feeling of tender care. “Highly commended awards in this category went to Laura Feltrin, Daisy Stonehouse and Ebony Langley and the Youth Art Prize – Age 6 to 11 was awarded to ‘Uma II’ by Uma Sanchez del Rio. “Judges called it a whimsical, magical creation with a strong story-telling element and a lovely composition. “The colour contrasts work beautifully and the expression on the animal’s face is simply delightful. “Highly commended in this category went to Cohen Favier-Domingus, Elsie Felton, Essie Beatson, Ellie Chhon, Lilly Mitchell and Kye Haynes.” The summer exhibition will run until Monday, January 27 with the gallery open five days a week from Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm. The gallery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and there will be a Christmass break from Tuesday, December 24 to re-open on Thursday, January 2.
