Winners of Region's premiere Art Exhibition announced
Published on 27 September 2023
The winners of the 2023 Western Downs Regional Artists' Exhibition have been revealed, acknowledging the exceptional creativity of the region's talented individuals.
The exhibition was officially opened, and category winners announced at Gallery 107 @ Dalby on 16 September, with award recipients chosen from the submissions of 60 local artists across a variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography, digital art, textiles, and sculpture.
This year's theme 'Essence' challenged participants to examine the basic, intrinsic nature of something - whether a person, a place, an object, or idea. Artists explored the fundamental characteristics which give something its individual identity and contemplated what is beyond the surface of a subject by pausing and engaging deeply with what was right in front of them.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, Councillor Kaye Maguire said this year's theme encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones; and the standard of entries was exceptional.
"It is truly delightful to be able to enjoy the wide range of skills of our local artists on display. While the theme was challenging, the artists have presented pieces that are both highly relevant and also captivating." Cr Maguire said.
"The Regional Artists' Exhibition is the Western Downs' premiere artists' showcase, and its primary focus is on nurturing the creativity and spotlighting the talent of our exceptional local artists - the people that quite literally add vibrancy to our wonderful active communities.
"The Regional Artists Exhibition continues to grow bigger and more successful every single year, and achievement that is only made possible through the dedicated efforts of our local galleries, Gallery107 @ Dalby, Dogwood Crossing Miles, and Lapunyah Gallery at Chinchilla. Thank you to this year's host Gallery 107 @ Dalby and your amazing team for delivering an exceptional evening.
Cara-Ann Simpson, Exhibition Curator, and judge echoed the sentiments expressed by Councillor Maguire.
"The artists involved have responded to the theme with unique, inspiring and thoughtful interpretations. It reveals much about the relationship artists have with the Western Downs as both a place and community. Collectively, the artworks offer layered meanings that share the stories and experiences of a region." Ms Simpson said.
The exhibition was collaboratively planned and presented by the major galleries of the Western Downs, with prizes sponsored by Andersens Dalby, Gallery 107 @ Dalby, Western Downs Regional Council, APLNG | Origin, Murray’s Art & Framing.
View opening night online gallery
2023 Regional Artists’ Exhibition Winners
Painting
First Prize: Helen Dennis The creek – The lost tank
Second Prize: Cindy Grimes Marketplace Split, Croatia
Works on Paper
First Prize: Kristen Flynn Self-portrait with grevillea – blue black
Second Prize: Chris Osborne Bush fireworks
3D Work
First Prize: Kay Vidler Friends
Second Prize: Kylie Bourne Me, myself, and I
Photography and New Media Art
First Prize: Seth Gerke H20
Second Prize: Katie Robertson The boll of life
Youth Merit Award
Hallie Vickers Essence of me
Judge’s Commendations
Photography and New Media Art
Peter Van Der Veen Rock mystique
Painting
Kerri Haslem Reflections
Works on Paper
Meg Noack The essence of identity: Who do you think you are?
Works on Paper
Lisa Stiller The essence of the bush – Living in Australia
Mr Mouth Corazon
3D Works
Guy Breay The lighthouse
The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition, which runs at Gallery 107 @ Dalby until 10 November 2023.
To find out more about the Regional Artists’ Exhibition, or to see the virtual gallery, visit https://www.westerndownsarts.com.au/
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Media Contact:
Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265