WA art leaders gathered in Armadale last week to judge artworks for the City of Armadale’s Minnawarra Art Awards.
Artists from both Armadale and the country displayed works and winners shared in $17,000 in awards.
Professionally curated by nationally recognised curator Robert Buratti, the judges were impressed by the calibre of works.
Judges included Art Gallery of WA director Stephano Carboni, University of WA lecturer Darren Jorgensen and internationally renowned artist Ben Juniper.
The coveted $5000 Gerry Gauntlett Award went to Eva Fernandez for Platero y Yo, the $5000 Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Award went to Eric Hynynen for Lost while Bedfordale artist Trudi Pollard won the $5000 Stockland Sculpture Award for Indigo Scrolls.
Kerrie Di Cataldo won the $1000 Local Artist Award for her work Portscape and Sharleen King won the $1000 Highly Commended Award for her piece Silent Departure.
Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said it was the first time the city opened the competition nationally.
“The Armadale region is indeed home to a very creative and mature arts community and all visitors to the exhibition will revel in this visual feast of the talent we are surrounded by,” he said.
“Of the 61 artists invited to display their work there are 15 local artists, eight from regional WA and interstate artists made up a smaller but no less significant contribution.”
The Armadale Arts Festival, which will run over 17 days with 30 events showcasing a wide range of talent from the region, was launched the same night.
See the works daily from 11am to 4pm until May 17 at the Armadale District Hall in Jull Street.
