Julie Laurie’s stallion sculpture took the Grand Champion prize for Arts Gunnedah’s 53rd Art and Ceramics Exhibition on Friday night.
What was intended as firewood, ended up actually being the “stand out piece of the entire exhibition,” according to judge Warwick Keen, which he further stated had, “superb workmanship combined with a strong feeling of wildness”.
A mix of steel and timber mediums crafted Fractured’s illusion of a horse mid gallop in the wind.
“[Horses] are such a passion of mine and they always express so much movement,” Julie said. “They are such a majestic animal.”
Winning the Grand Champion Ceramics was Gilgandra’s Geoff Thomas for his thrown pot, Anagama Jar.
Judge Maria Rickert commended the artist on his large hand thrown vessel, describing it as “evenly thrown [with] beautiful glass [that] matches the shape of the vessel”.
The red carpet was rolled out for guests and exhibitors for the night, with some choosing to comply with the 1920s Gatsby dress theme.
It was the first year inviting guests to dress up, with Arts Gunnedah president Fonda Rowland saying it aimed to make the atmosphere more fun and inviting.
“I think also because a lot of people are sometimes nervous about going to art exhibitions,” Fonda said, admitting that even she, as an artist, can be intimidated by them.
Arts Gunnedah president Fonda Rowland.
The idea was inspired by Currabubula’s own 60s dress up theme.
“I just want to bring a fun element – and get younger people into [art]. Art is such an important tool in therapy,” she said.
“I just want everyone to feel welcome.”
The gallery was packed with more than 200 artworks and plenty of art lovers from Gunnedah and surrounds.
Artists of all ages and ranges joined in, entrants aged anywhere from nine to 97 entering, with people from all around the region invited to exhibit.
Due to the financial hardship many businesses have been faced with, Fonda found it difficult to find sponsorship.
“We are just so grateful for sponsors giving whatever they can because we did not receive any funding this year,” she said.
“We are doing all of this on our own and the money that we make from the sales helps to keep us going. It is all volunteers that just give so much of their time.”
Gunnedah Red Cross were at the helm of the canapes and the dapper Rotary Club of Gunnedah West manned the champagne.
Worlds collided when president of Blackjack Camera Club, Wendy Carpenter stopped by to photograph the action of the night.
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