A fine spring afternoon saw an expectant crowd gather at the Nexus Community Gallery for the annual awards of the Bellingen Community Arts Council (BCAC) Members' Art Prize.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The works were judged by Jo Besley, curator of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery and Museum, with Sandra Pitkin, a well-known sculpture artist.
Speaking on behalf of both judges, Jo congratulated members on the high standard of the works entered and the excellent presentation by the Nexus Gallery curators.
Rosie Wickert president of the BCAC, welcomed everyone, especially Mayor Dominic King. She thanked individuals, organisations and the volunteers for their ongoing support, which is so essential to the gallery and Art Prize.
The Mayor officially opened the exhibition and the prize winners and highly commended artists were announced.
Janette Blainey, Vice President of Camp Creative, presented the award for Photographic and Digital Art generously donated by Camp Creative.
The 3D Prize and the Painting Prize were donated by Kitty Krister, while Works on Paper Prize was donated by The Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio and Kitty Krister.
The Mayor presented the prizes on their behalf. There was a warm tribute paid to Kitty and John, her late husband, for their invaluable generosity and support to the Nexus Gallery, The Bellingen Art Prize and now the MAP.
Finally came the major award, The Affirmations Grand Prize, kindly donated once again by Affirmations. Jo Besley presented the award to John Tuckwell, a ceramic artist, to much applause and congratulations.
People continued to enjoy the reception and view the exhibition. There is plenty of time to visit the Nexus Gallery where you can cast your vote for The People’s Choice Award. The MAP Exhibition will close on October 13.
List of prize winners
Affirmations Grand Prize
Winner: John Tuckwell. Title of Work: Reconstructed From Memory
Painting
Winner: Gregory Coates. Title of Work: Ephemeral Light
Highly Commended: Chris Hundt, Tonya McIver, Ann Jennings
Works on Paper
Winner: Penelope Lawry. Title of Work: Exodus
Highly Commended: Andrew Lo, Bronwyn Rodden.
Photographic & Digital
Winner: John Bennett. Title of Work: Remediation - Photography Didn't Kill Painting
Highly Commended: Peta Coe, Doerthe Jansen.
3D
Winner: Beth Gibbings. Title of Work: Underneath
Highly Commended: Sue Gorrell.
