THE Needham Religious Art Prize winner will be announced tonight during the annual exhibition opening at the Riddoch Art Gallery.
The prestigious art prize was established in 1998 by the Anglican Parish of Mount Gambier and has this year attracted 54 entries from artists across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.
Paintings submitted for the prize must interpret or portray an event, character, story or truth from the bible.
Guest judges, Anglican bishop David McCall and poet, pilot and art enthusiast Marion McCall OAM, will select the winner to receive the $10,000 prize.
Ms McCall said she had opened a number of art exhibitions in Western Australia, though this will be the first occasion she has judged an art prize.
“There’s quite a lot of pressure with such a large number of entries and many of the paintings are simply incredible,” Ms McCall said.
“My husband and I will likely spend a few hours in the gallery making our decision ahead of the exhibition opening.”
Ms McCall, a published poet, learned to fly at age 50 and was awarded an OAM for service to aviation and the Australian Women Pilots Association in 2011.
Her poetry often reflects her faith and her experience as a bishop’s wife.
Ms McCall said she had determined a set of criteria to help decide the winning piece.
“I will consider integrity, technique, beauty and emotional response – the work must be affecting in some way,” she said.
The winning entry will be acquired by the Anglican Parish and remain on permanent loan to the Riddoch Art Gallery.
The exhibition opens with a cocktail party launch at 6pm this evening, where Mr and Ms McCall will announce the winner.
Paintings will remain on display until July 2.
