DIANA Wiseman, with her painting of a boardwalk through the dunes of Canunda National Park, won the major award for the Wattle Range Art Exhibition which was opened last Friday night.
More than 200 local artworks on display attracted as many people for the exhibition’s opening at the Millicent Public Library and Gallery which also marked the beginning of Millicent’s 150 birthday celebrations over the weekend.
Judges for the exhibition were Jo Jo Spook, from Robe, and Tamara Roberts from Kangaroo Inn Area School’s art department.
Ms Wiseman, after accepting the $3000 Wattle Range Art Prize, said she was inspired by Canunda.
“It is a wild and beautiful place,” she said.
For the Mayoral Award, judged by Mayor Des Noll, the winner was Libby Altschwager with her artwork of a ruin near Millicent known as Walkers Tin Hut.
Mayor Noll said the artwork would be purchased by Council.
“I didn’t know how I was going to make a decision when I walked into the gallery; it was an impossible task to choose just one as I was blown away by the outstanding display of local talent,” Mayor Noll said.
“Walker’s Tin Hut is a strong piece of history in our community and I am excited about that piece of art,” he said.
“That needs to go into the new Council offices when they are built.”
Other major winners were:
Painting – 1st Colin Tenney, 2nd Jenny Johnson, Highly commended Anne Miles and Dagney Strand.
Drawing and Printmaking – 1st Lili Quill, 2nd Stella Scanlon, Highly commended Natania Hollingsworth.
Three dimensional and sculpture – 1st Clementine Underdown, 2nd Bruce Kennewell, Highly commended Julianne Woodruff and Alison Primer.
Mixed media – 1st Margaret Hage, 2nd Cate Bell, Highly commended Jane McCumstie and Kerrie Head.
Textile art – 1st Chris Pudney, 2nd Margaret Hage, Highly commended Helen Clamp.
Packers Prize – Natania Hollingworth.
Youth – junior Lilly Wilkson, middle Libby Evans, Senior M Quintel.
A People’s Choice Award will be decided by votes placed in a box at the gallery from people viewing the exhibition until it closes on December 21.
