MILLICENT-BASED artist Aleesha Barton won top honours at the Wattle Range Art Show Exhibition, claiming both the Packer’s and Mayoral prizes for her black and white drawing ‘Len Teagle’.
The intricate sketch of the Millicent stalwart’s hands was praised by judges, Mayor Des Noll and gallery manager Janice Nitschke for its level of emotion and connection to the Wattle Range district.
The talented artist was awarded the prestigious honour at the exhibition opening, held at the Millicent Art Gallery on Friday night.
The artistically inclined were spoiled for aesthetic choice with more than 170 acrylic and mixed media paintings, wood carvings and fabric and ceramic piece decking out the gallery.
During her presentation speech, guest judge Melinda Rankine praised the high quality of the artworks.
She told the 200-strong crowd she looks for a range of things when deciding a winner.
“I am looking for how the work comes together – the skills involved and also how people interpret the theme,” she said.
“There is quite an assortment of flora and fauna and also the diverse landscapes of this region, such as the ocean, green hills and vineyards.
“I’m often looking for new interpretations and how the artist has used elements such as colour and composition.”
Ms Rankine said it was fantastic there were returning artists, but also first-time artists displaying their work.
“It’s a brave thing to do and it’s fantastic to see how the community comes together.”
Penola-based artist Dagny Strand won the overall Wattle Range Art Prize for her mixed-media piece ‘On the Way to the Studio’, winning the prize for the second year in a row.
Ms Strand was also highly commended in the sculpture category.
The youth prize was awarded to Brianna Thorpe for a charcoal drawing, with Zoe Widdison selected as the runner up for her ‘M for Millicent’ artwork.
Mount Gambier-based artist Sandra Hart won the textile award for her intricate tapestries and Julie Bignell won the drawing award.
Margaret Hage was both the winner and runner up for the mixed media award and Kelvin Freer won the sculpture award for textured wooden table.
The painting award went to William Twiddle for his abstract three-panel picture and the runner up was Dale Bishop with a self-portrait.
In opening the awards, mayor Des Noll said it was not only encouraging to see so many adult artists but also young artists.
Mayor Noll thanked Kangaroo Inn and Millicent High schools for encouraging students to enter into the exhibition.
