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2025 Exhibition 21-22 & 28-29 June
9:30am - 4pm (2pm Sunday 29th)
Past Shows
Past Shows: Pro Gallery
2024 Peabody Wilpinjong Prize for Hanging Art – Michelle Steven, Mudgee "Cosmos in Glass Bottle"
Judge - Lizzy Galloway
The artist has taken the still life and elevated it to a confidently produce a very elegant artwork. The combination of charcoal and ink as the medium is cleverly manipulated to create the restrained, muted palette which gives a certain moodiness to the work which is highlighted by the textures in the background. The shadows are beautiful and give further depth to the work. The glass bottle - notoriously difficult to reproduce well - further elucidates the competence of the artist.
The artist has taken the still life and elevated it to a confidently produce a very elegant artwork. The combination of charcoal and ink as the medium is cleverly manipulated to create the restrained, muted palette which gives a certain moodiness to the work which is highlighted by the textures in the background. The shadows are beautiful and give further depth to the work. The glass bottle - notoriously difficult to reproduce well - further elucidates the competence of the artist.
2024 RES Power For Good Prize for Photography – Peter Masters, Cooks Hill "Port Kembla Baths"
Judge - Alina Maclean
Overall this is a stunning image that has been well thought out in terms of perspective, angle and what to include in the composition. The image holds a “vintage like” quality in this playful scene with a strong contrast between the people “relaxing” who don’t necessarily look relaxed and those working hard doing laps. This conceptual contrast will spark something different in each viewer. The balance between the elements in this shot create a strong connection around the scene, leading up to the Ibis, which directs the eye back into the composition.
Overall this is a stunning image that has been well thought out in terms of perspective, angle and what to include in the composition. The image holds a “vintage like” quality in this playful scene with a strong contrast between the people “relaxing” who don’t necessarily look relaxed and those working hard doing laps. This conceptual contrast will spark something different in each viewer. The balance between the elements in this shot create a strong connection around the scene, leading up to the Ibis, which directs the eye back into the composition.
2024 Acen Australia Prize for Ceramics – Geoff Thomas, Gilgandra "Anagama Fired Square Bottle"
Judge - Lise Edwards
Geoff Thomas' anagama kiln fired bottle shows its entire journey from the artists hand to the wood and flame that gave it life.
The purple colour on the mouth of the piece is highly sought after but rarely achieved and comes from melted ash laid down with time and temperature and the thoughtful patience and knowledge of the artist.
Geoff Thomas' anagama kiln fired bottle shows its entire journey from the artists hand to the wood and flame that gave it life.
The purple colour on the mouth of the piece is highly sought after but rarely achieved and comes from melted ash laid down with time and temperature and the thoughtful patience and knowledge of the artist.
2024 Art Unlimited Prize for Printmaking – Angela Coombs Matthews, Temora "Escapade"
I chose ‘Escapade’ by Angela Coombs Matthews as the winner in this section.
This work has excellent movement and balance, good use of texture. The viewer is drawn into the depths of an expansive story.
This work has excellent movement and balance, good use of texture. The viewer is drawn into the depths of an expansive story.
2024 Hanging Art Highly Commended - Peter Marshall, Mudgee "The State of Things"
Judge - Lizzy Galloway
This is a confident and well executed abstract painting fully of life and exuberance. The artist is having fun playing with colour and shows a confident use of brushwork. I also like the use of drips to create further drama - all in all a well balanced artwork.
This is a confident and well executed abstract painting fully of life and exuberance. The artist is having fun playing with colour and shows a confident use of brushwork. I also like the use of drips to create further drama - all in all a well balanced artwork.
2024 Hanging Art Highly Commended - Rod Spicer, Tinonee "Back Beach Hallidays Point"
Judge Lizzy Galloway - This painting is a beautiful coastal scene. The skilful use of the palette knife on the oil paint cleverly creates both the movement in the breaking waves and the reflections in the water on the sand. I like how thoughtfully the artist has balanced the quietness of the beach with the movement of the water to create drama in the composition.
2024 Hanging Art Highly Commended - Karen James, Mt Rankin "Chooks Roosting"
Judge - Lizzy Galloway
This is a delightful pastel artwork of chickens nestling in for the night. The use of the medium is very competent. The artwork makes the viewer feel warm and cosy and is a lovely insight into life on the farm.
This is a delightful pastel artwork of chickens nestling in for the night. The use of the medium is very competent. The artwork makes the viewer feel warm and cosy and is a lovely insight into life on the farm.
2024 Photography Highly Commended - Kate Barclay, Canowindra "Leura Cottage Coat – Last Smoko"
Judge - Alina Maclean
This image is all about texture. This dark and moody scene allows you to really take in the variety of textures that have been captured in this image. The hanging coat in the right-hand side creates a strong interest point led by the lines in the image. The mind is left to imagine the rest of the space.
This image is all about texture. This dark and moody scene allows you to really take in the variety of textures that have been captured in this image. The hanging coat in the right-hand side creates a strong interest point led by the lines in the image. The mind is left to imagine the rest of the space.
2024 Photography Highly Commended - Andrew Leontarou, Wamberal - "The Stillness of a Salt Lake Sunrise"
Judge - Alina Maclean
The perspective on this image really gives the feel you could take a step forward and step directly into this scene, which is a lovely quality in connecting with an audience. The textile quality of the fine details really add to this “immersive experience”. Fantastic image.
The perspective on this image really gives the feel you could take a step forward and step directly into this scene, which is a lovely quality in connecting with an audience. The textile quality of the fine details really add to this “immersive experience”. Fantastic image.
2024 Photography Highly Commended - Belinda Dimarzio-Bryan, Warren Blackout"
Judge - Alina Maclean
This image really captures the atmosphere of the moment, from the strong contrasts to the subtle details illuminated by light. You as the viewer almost feel as though you have stumbled into a rehearsal in a dark room, drawn by the music. Sometimes the lack of light in an image highlights only the elements that you need to see to convey a story, leaving the unnecessary details out, which has worked fabulously for this image.
This image really captures the atmosphere of the moment, from the strong contrasts to the subtle details illuminated by light. You as the viewer almost feel as though you have stumbled into a rehearsal in a dark room, drawn by the music. Sometimes the lack of light in an image highlights only the elements that you need to see to convey a story, leaving the unnecessary details out, which has worked fabulously for this image.
2024 Ceramics Highly Commended - Carol Foster, Buderim "Banksia Story"
Judge - Lise Edwards
Carol Forster's Banksia Story is skilfully and beautifully made and the form and surface design are a perfect match. It's careful construction is light and robust and reminds me of old bronze.
Carol Forster's Banksia Story is skilfully and beautifully made and the form and surface design are a perfect match. It's careful construction is light and robust and reminds me of old bronze.
2024 Ceramics Highly Commended - Tatiana Gvozdetskaia, Melbourne "Ahha"
Judge - Lise Edwards
Tatiana Gvozdetskaia's Anna has a great sense of modern design and colour. It's well composed lean and cut outs are enhanced by the light that emanates from within. It has a strong personality.
Tatiana Gvozdetskaia's Anna has a great sense of modern design and colour. It's well composed lean and cut outs are enhanced by the light that emanates from within. It has a strong personality.
2024 Ceramics Highly Commended - Joy Adams, Kelso "Tree Trunk Sculpture"
Judge - Lise Edwards
Joy Adams' Tree trunk sculpture uses many techniques that in less skilled hands would be over the top. The beautiful interior glaze is a delightful contrast against the matte browns of the trunk and birds and flowers. It made me smile.
Joy Adams' Tree trunk sculpture uses many techniques that in less skilled hands would be over the top. The beautiful interior glaze is a delightful contrast against the matte browns of the trunk and birds and flowers. It made me smile.
2024 Printmaking Highly Commended - Kristy West, Mudgee "Old Friends"
Judge - Virginia Handmer
Nice movement and strong colour with the slight fragility along lines playing well into the viewer engagement. We can hear the conversation.
Nice movement and strong colour with the slight fragility along lines playing well into the viewer engagement. We can hear the conversation.
2024 Printmaking Highly Commended - Elly Cook, Coolah "Scribbly Gum"
Judge - Virginia Handmer
I presume you have hand coloured the block before printing. The process of printing makes the bark work so well as bark. Keep at it.
I presume you have hand coloured the block before printing. The process of printing makes the bark work so well as bark. Keep at it.
2024 Printmaking Highly Commended - Laura Holland, Dubbo "Dad Loves to Laugh"
Judge - Virginia Handmer
Nice movement and strong colour with the slight fragility along lines playing well into the viewer engagement. We can hear the conversation.
Nice movement and strong colour with the slight fragility along lines playing well into the viewer engagement. We can hear the conversation.
The Janace Holmes Family Memorial Prize & Dunedoo Hardware People's Choice Prize - Susan Yagjian, Dubbo “Well Worn”
Deutscher Contracting Packing Room Prize – Peter Masters, Cooks Hill – “Still Life with Pomegranates”
ABC Western Plains Prize - Deb Michelle-Smith, Narrabri “On The Plains Where the Bustards Roam”
2023 Peabody Wilpinjong Hanging Art Prize – Chris Kunko “Brett at Sunrise in the Warrumbungles”
JUDGE KENT BUCHANAN:
Chris’s use of impasto builds depth that correlates with the depth of character he has captured in his portrait of Brett. The use of colour and energy in the work helps the eye move around the picture plane, only to settle on the calm state of the subject.
Chris’s use of impasto builds depth that correlates with the depth of character he has captured in his portrait of Brett. The use of colour and energy in the work helps the eye move around the picture plane, only to settle on the calm state of the subject.
2023 RES Photography Prize - Jason McDonald "Magpie Grader"
JUDGE ALINA MACLEAN:
This is a beautifully structured, playful and quirky image. The absence of the other birds, leaving the cut-out shapes adds an extra dimension to the image, creating an interactive space, playing with light and shadow. The use of light overall creates a soft and light feel, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The overall tone of the images leaves you wanting more.
This is a beautifully structured, playful and quirky image. The absence of the other birds, leaving the cut-out shapes adds an extra dimension to the image, creating an interactive space, playing with light and shadow. The use of light overall creates a soft and light feel, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The overall tone of the images leaves you wanting more.
2023 ACEN Australia Ceramics Prize - Suvira McDonald "A Space Between"
JUDGE SUSIE MCMEEKIN:
The warmth of the wood fired surface and the relationship of the two pieces make this work a whole.
The warmth of the wood fired surface and the relationship of the two pieces make this work a whole.
2023 Acciona Energia Printmaking Prize - Gary Shinfield "The King is not Welcome"
JUDGE TIM WINTERS:
A dynamic and powerful image – the ochres beautifully balanced by the dense blacks and further centre-balanced by the grey washes and the etched lines.
A dynamic and powerful image – the ochres beautifully balanced by the dense blacks and further centre-balanced by the grey washes and the etched lines.
ib vogt Hanging Art Highly Commended Prize - Reg Buckland "Resilience"
JUDGE KENT BUCHANAN
Reg has created an image that resonates through his simple shapes and limited palette. The regrowth forcing its way through the blackened trunks speaks to triumph over adversity.
Reg has created an image that resonates through his simple shapes and limited palette. The regrowth forcing its way through the blackened trunks speaks to triumph over adversity.
2023 ib vogt Hanging Art Highly Commended Prize - Kate Kenworth "Hector"
JUDGE KENT BUCHANAN:
Kate’s “Hector” owns his place on the wall. The layers of paint and tender brush strokes give the subject character. His solid form has been removed from his natural setting, but nevertheless he commands our attention.
Kate’s “Hector” owns his place on the wall. The layers of paint and tender brush strokes give the subject character. His solid form has been removed from his natural setting, but nevertheless he commands our attention.
2023 Ib vogt Hanging Art Highly Commended Prize - Simon Martin "Metaphysic Hieroglyphic Number 1"
JUDGE KENT BUCHANAN:
Simon has created an intense energy, achieved through his unusual technique of controlled layering of acrylic paint. The colours and texture create movement and coalesce to create a mesmerizing effect.
Simon has created an intense energy, achieved through his unusual technique of controlled layering of acrylic paint. The colours and texture create movement and coalesce to create a mesmerizing effect.
2023 Ib vog Photography Highly Commended Prize - Belinda Dimarzio-Bryan "Light up the Shed"
JUDGE ALINA MACLEAN:
The technical aspects of this image have been considered carefully and executed well, from the placement of the horizon line, to the leading lines within the composition, to the crisp sharpness of the scene that leads us off into the distance. I particularly liked the way Belinda has captured the mood of the scene with her choice of exposure and highlights in the grass being blown by the wind. You get a sense of what it would feel like to be standing within that image.
The technical aspects of this image have been considered carefully and executed well, from the placement of the horizon line, to the leading lines within the composition, to the crisp sharpness of the scene that leads us off into the distance. I particularly liked the way Belinda has captured the mood of the scene with her choice of exposure and highlights in the grass being blown by the wind. You get a sense of what it would feel like to be standing within that image.
2023 Ib vog Photography Highly Commended Prize - Kim McHardy "Yachts No2"
JUDGE ALINA MACLEAN:
I was drawn to this image due to its focus on rhythm and movement. The simplicity and repetition of the composition not only feels playful, but gives a sense of endless space. I particularly liked the focus on colour, noting primary colours of blue, yellow and red creating a harmonious feel to the overall image.
I was drawn to this image due to its focus on rhythm and movement. The simplicity and repetition of the composition not only feels playful, but gives a sense of endless space. I particularly liked the focus on colour, noting primary colours of blue, yellow and red creating a harmonious feel to the overall image.
2023 Ib vog Photography Highly Commended Prize - Tim White "Flannel Flowers"
JUDGE ALINA MACLEAN:
“Flannel Flowers” reminds me heavily on the work of photographer Olive Cotton. The use of shadow and contrast to add drama, but create a sense of simplicity at the same time makes the image very effective. The use of negative space in the composition adds to the overall effect of the image.
“Flannel Flowers” reminds me heavily on the work of photographer Olive Cotton. The use of shadow and contrast to add drama, but create a sense of simplicity at the same time makes the image very effective. The use of negative space in the composition adds to the overall effect of the image.
2023 Ib vogt Ceramics Highly Commended Prize - John Tuckwell "Periphery"
JUDGE SUSIE MCMEEKIN:
Always skillful and light. The structure complements the fine lines and colours.
Always skillful and light. The structure complements the fine lines and colours.
2023 Ib vogt Ceramics Highly Commended Prize - Melissa Kelly "Rabbit Woman I & II"
JUDGE SUSIE MCMEEKIN:
Her figurative piece – head tilted to the side as if dreaming of some quiet joy. Gives a feeling of peace and well-being.
Her figurative piece – head tilted to the side as if dreaming of some quiet joy. Gives a feeling of peace and well-being.
2023 Ib vogt Ceramics Highly Commended Prize - Lise Edwards "Figure"
JUDGE SUSIE MCMEEKIN:
The elegance and light movement is a juxtaposition to the way this pot is fired. Emotion is clearly evident.
The elegance and light movement is a juxtaposition to the way this pot is fired. Emotion is clearly evident.
2023 Ib vogt Printmaking Highly Commended Prize - Kristy West "Abandonded House"
JUDGE TIM WINTERS:
A sensitive, delicate, mysterious and obviously heartfelt response to memory.
A sensitive, delicate, mysterious and obviously heartfelt response to memory.
2023 Ib vogt Printmaking Highly Commended Prize - Cleo Wilkinson "The VI."
JUDGE TIM WINTERS:
A mysterious and beautiful image fully exploring the technique of mezzotint.
A mysterious and beautiful image fully exploring the technique of mezzotint.
2023 Ib vogt Printmaking Highly Commended Prize - Chris Knight "Lockdown Churches"
JUDGE TIM WINTERS:
An image that perfectly marries the technique of linocutting with architectural and graphic qualities of the images.
An image that perfectly marries the technique of linocutting with architectural and graphic qualities of the images.
2023 Janace Holmes Memorial Prize - Kay Gorringe "Macquarie River Junction"
2023 ABC Western Plaines Prize - Merren Turnbull "Coolabah Glow"
JUDGE KENT BUCHANAN:
Merren has captured a fleeting moment in which the interplay between light, colour and texture combine to create an image familiar to all of us in regional New South Wales. Her paintwork strikes the perfect balance of subject and atmosphere.
Merren has captured a fleeting moment in which the interplay between light, colour and texture combine to create an image familiar to all of us in regional New South Wales. Her paintwork strikes the perfect balance of subject and atmosphere.
2023 Deutscher Contracting Packing Room Prize – Tim White “Lemon Large”
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