Hundreds of locals and visitors alike poured through the doors of the Currabubula Hall over the weekend as the 55th edition of the Red Cross Art Exhibition proved that the little towns reputation continues to grow on the art scene.
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Artists from all over the eastern seaboard, and even further afield, contributed their finest works to make up the impressive 463 pieces on display, and while Sydney based artists cleaned up the top awards, it was local farmers who got the real win, with all money raised going towards the Red Cross’ drought relief fund.
Painting coordinator Rosalie Davis said that the gallery enjoyed big crowds across all four days, particularly Saturday.
“It has been very, very good, and such a lovely atmosphere with everyone smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves,” she said.
“The same judges were here four years ago and said that the quality of work has been really impressive and of a very high standard.”
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While there was one piece on the wall offered to the public for $60,000, as of Sunday lunch it had not been purchased, although the top sale price was $2850.
Sydney based artist Gary Laird took out the Champion Prize for his oil painting of Storm over The Hunter, while fellow Sydneysider David Chen won the oils and acrylic section with Still Life.
In the watercolors Sydney’s Joseph Zbukvic took the top gong with Portside Istanbul, as another Sydney oil painting, Janet Hoyer-Cobb’s Guardian won the any other medium section.
Kangaroo Flats painter Carolyn Marrone won the miniature section with What Time Do You Call This, as Tamworth artist Sophie Lockwood won the local section with The Splendid Fairy-Wren, while the Norris family sponsored Encouragement Award was coincidentally won by Geoff Norris.
“We also had 13 pieces commended, which is the most I have ever seen,” Mrs Davis said.
“The farmers are really struggling at the moment, so we are really glad the show has once again had a great response, and that the people who came have had a great time.”
