First time theme for 53rd Art and Ceramic Exhibition in Gunnedah

Preparations are being finalised for tomorrow’s official opening of the 53rd Art and Ceramics Exhibition in Gunnedah.

Hosted by Arts Gunnedah, the exhibition has become a mainstay on the North West arts calendar.

Artists from across the region and the country nominate for the event each year.

Arts Gunnedah’s new president Fonda Rowland said more than 247 entries have been received across 13 sections for this year’s art and ceramics.

This includes a $1200 Grand Champion Art prize and $750 Grand Champion Ceramics.

The biggest and most popular category being the Open Section which is caters to submissions on any subject, using any medium.

It is Ms Rowland’s first time running the prestigious Gunnedah exhibition and the first time in the event’s 53-year history to feature a theme for opening night.

Guests attending the Friday night opening are invited to come dressed in a 1920s Gatsby theme.

“I thought it would be a fun element to the first night,” Ms Rowland said, who was inspired by the Currabubula art exhibition’s 1960s theme.

Tickets to the opening cost $20 per adult and $5 per child which drinks and canapes – event hosting is supported by Gunnedah Red Cross.

This year’s judges include Maria Rickert (ceramics) from Pilliga Pottery and Warrick Keen – a former Gunnedah TAFE teacher now based at Nowra whose indigenous art designs are now featured at sites across Australia including on Sydney Harbour Ferry network (pictured).

For this year’s exhibition, Arts Gunnedah is also driving a big push behind entry-level artists.

“We’re trying to engage people who have never had a go, to enter,” Ms Rowland said.

Arts Gunnedah plans to develop some ‘creative workshops’ for beginners to help broaden the arts community base locally.

The group has 47 members on the books at the moment but would like to see more especially among its younger membership.

Warwick’s ‘GAWURA’ (humpback whale) design was launched on this Sydney Harbour Ferry on 9thJune 2021, as a special Centenary NRMA Project in conjunction with Urban Art Projects (UAPInternational).