The Night Wondai Became the Centre of Australian Art
Last Friday night, over 100 guests from across Australia filled the Wondai Regional Art Gallery for the opening of their annual October Open Art Competition.
Established artists, up and coming talent, and art enthusiasts alike were treated to 187 artworks across a variety of mediums, including pastels, water colours, photography and ceramics.
"I think this sort of event is so important for the community. It's a real celebration, and it's great that there is so much community involvement," said art judge Bruce Heiser.
Elaine Madil, President of the Gallery, expressed her approval for the winning artworks Heiser selected.
"I didn't know any of the winners until I started making checks out. I was saying to myself, 'you know your job, so well'," she said.
"It is so important to have the level of diversity that we do within this great region of the South Burnett, especially in the field of art" said Mayor Keith Campbell.
"I would like to acknowledge the artists themselves. You are the reason that we come out on a night like tonight. We celebrate your artistic abilities and the gifts you are given," he said.
For the first time, the competition was opened to submissions from outside the South Burnett region.
"It is quietly growing... this year we had entrants from Toowoomba and Bundaberg," Madil said.
The overall Acquisitive Prize was valued at $3,000. First prize for each category was $500, and second prize $200. Winners of the children's categories received a passbook, donated by the gallery's sponsor, Bendigo Bank.
The breakdown of works was as follows:
- 28 in the first gallery
- 58 in the main gallery
- 34 in the kids' corner
- 55 in the third gallery
- 12 in the pottery section
"I think the Acquisitive prize is a very good piece for the South Burnett's collection" - Elaine Madil
"I think the Acquisitive prize is a very good piece for the South Burnett's collection" - Elaine Madil
THE ARTISTS
A family admires some of the many oil and acrylic pieces submitted to the competition
A family admires some of the many oil and acrylic pieces submitted to the competition
The competition's expansion to all corners of Australia meant that many artists, whether professional or amateur had the opportunity to showcase their work.
Ashley Reinbott (18yrs) attended the opening with 15 of her family members as part of Reiny Art Studios, founded by her grandmother Judy Reinbott.
Three Mates- Amy Reinbott
Three Mates- Amy Reinbott
"We heard about [the competition] last year... and this year we just thought, we enjoy art so much, we might as well get a chance to showcase it. It is awesome to have this opportunity," said Reinbott.
Young artist Christopher Wood sported a smart button up shirt and a bow tie when he accepted his runner up prize in the Children's Category. He and his mother, who also entered works into the competition, travelled from Toowoomba to attend the exhibition opening.
Shelley Walker- Where are we going?
"The inspiration is about evolution and where we are going: As humans, going into the future, as well as where are we going with buildings, construction, that sort of thing. I thought, well everything is concrete these days so I decided to do a black and white artwork. So that's where my inspiration came from."
(Centre) Shelley's piece Where Are We Going? was one of the only black and white artworks in the exhibition.
(Centre) Shelley's piece Where Are We Going? was one of the only black and white artworks in the exhibition.
"It took approximately 3 months to produce the painting. I worked on a lot of it during a couple of days, then stood back and worked on it day by day for about 15 minutes ."
"I wanted to enter (the competition) to be outside my comfort zone. I think you have to broaden your horizons. I’ve only done art for about two years, so this is my first exhibition."
Graham W. Smith
Judges' Notes:
"[Lil' Old Church] That was a very close [winner]... That artist I noticed was in a number of the sections. His work is very good"
(Top centre) One of Graham's entries, Lil Old Church
(Top centre) One of Graham's entries, Lil Old Church
Despite being situated in a small town, the Wondai Regional Art Gallery will continue to attract artists and art appreciators from across the country for many years to come.
Elaine has been compiling a list of interested artists for the 11 exhibitions the gallery will hold in 2020.
All three gallery spaces have been fully booked out until 2022, but her planning doesn't end there.
"By about this time next year, I will have 2021 set in place, and then we will be taking down names for 2023. That's how it all works," she says.
"That's how far ahead I have to start looking."
Elaine poses with the winning artwork, Sole Up, Moving On
Elaine poses with the winning artwork, Sole Up, Moving On
