The winners of the 2023 Du Rietz Art Awards were announced at the Gympie Regional Gallery on Friday night, 28 July.
Over $12,000 was awarded over five award categories to artists from South-East Queensland and Victoria.
Victorian artist Meaghan Shelton took home the Major 2D Award of $5000 for her entry titled ‘Recast’. Judges commented on the simplicity of the winning artwork belying the technical skill of the artist.
“The satisfying grid layout holds beautifully executed optical illusions,” the judge said.
“The restrained palette is appealing as it gives each stone or seed the visual space to show its unique detail”.
The 2D Highly Commended Award was won by Patricia Sheppard from Tewantin for her acrylic work ‘Picnic on the Paroo’.
Sunshine Beach artist Yanni Van Zijl won the Major 3D Award with ‘Life’s a Journey’.
Gympie artist Susan Lynch was awarded the Ceramic Award with her piece ‘A Sketch of the Last Convict’.
Local artist Kurt Olsen received the Locals Award with his painting titled ‘Jan’s Chair Under the Mountain’.
Ashleigh Whatling, Director of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, and judge of the 2023 Awards said she was impressed with the exhibition.
“I was really impressed with the range and quality of the works,” Ashleigh said.
“It was not easy selecting the winners for each category, which is the hallmark of a strong exhibition prize. Awards such as these are an exciting way for regional galleries to bring together a variety of talented and innovative contemporary art to their community’s front door”.
The Du Rietz Art Awards exhibition is on display at the Gympie Regional Gallery until Friday, 25 August 2023 and features over 100 high-quality artworks from finalists in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Everyone who wishes to vote for the People’s Choice Award are invited to attend the Gallery, experience the exhibition, and cast their vote soon.
The People’s Choice Award will be drawn on Saturday, 19 August 2023.
The Gallery wishes to thank all artists who submitted artwork, major sponsors: Gympie Regional Council, CAA Consulting, Budget Steel and SoMa SoMa Espresso Bar, as well as judges and the community for supporting creativity and the arts in the Gympie region.
