Maree Kelly’s oil on canvas work ‘Penumbra’ was the champion art piece in this year’s Arts Gunnedah exhibition.
The 54th annual Arts and Ceramics Exhibition saw about 260 works of art and an anticipated 130 people to attend the opening night at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday.
The winning piece depicts a sunset peaking through rocks and trees near Maree’s home, something she is greeted by in the afternoons when walking her dog.
“They fascinated me, so I painted them,” she said.
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Her work is often inspired by the natural and where she lives.
Maree Kelly with her winning painting ‘Penumbra’
This was not her first time as champion, winning multiple times previously.
She appreciated the amount of work put into the exhibition.
For the grand champion ceramics, Annie Simson took the title with her ‘Pit Fired Pot’.
Ceramics judge Michael Evans was impressed with the quality of the winning work.
He and art judge Briget Guthrie made their decisions on Friday before the opening.
Arts Gunnedah president Tony Moran described the standard of work as “very high”.
“We always get some particular names that are prominent every year, but there are also people who’ve come from other towns and people within Gunnedah who produce works of very high quality – especially for the exhibition,” he said.
It was opened by Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage Kevin Anderson.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that government funding cuts are hitting the regional arts communities,” Tony said.
“Kevin as the shadow minister would be very interested in that and doing what he could to help arts communities in the various towns and his electorate.
“We certainly appreciate him being able to come here and do that for us.”
When asked if there were any particular pieces of art he enjoyed he said the short list was about 20-30 pieces long.
Preparing the gallery had taken the week leading up but organising the competition started in April.
Tony agreed it was important to see the yearly exhibition continue.
“It is important that people recognise that art, ceramics, and various other creative forms of expression are encouraged in all communities, whether it be city or country,” he said.
“It gives people an outlet for their creative talents.
“It is something that is relaxing to both the artist and the viewer of the art. It’s certainly is helpful in developing strategies to cope with mental health issues.
“All in all, art makes a town a better place.”
Tony described his first year as president as “very busy” but enjoyable.
“It’s been good to deal with the members of the arts community and other people incidentally in organising this exhibition,” he said.
He thanked Gunnedah Shire Council for the space and staff along with the 22 local business and resident sponsors that donated prize money and also helped make the exhibition possible.
The exhibition will be open for another week.
“We encourage all visitors to town and residents of town and the region to come along and have a look at the talent that is on display here,” Tony said.
