Budding artists celebrated at Tweed Regional Gallery

27 September 2019

Portrait prize receives more than 4000 entries from 36 local primary schools

On Thursday 26 September, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre hosted the official opening and prize-giving ceremony of the annual Les Peterkin Portrait Prize for children.

The event was officially opened by the Principal of Tyalgum Public School, Janelle Cloherty, and proved to be one of the biggest events of the year, with more than 500 young artists, families and friends in attendance.

The Prize is a celebration of the enormous artistic talent of local primary schools, and this year attracted the highest ever number of entries and participating schools.

Working on the theme ‘Myself – At My Favourite Place’, primary school students sketched, collaged, photographed and painted images capturing themselves in settings that illuminates their interests, life and character.

The 2019 judges were all enthusiastic to see each young artists’ favourite place and were amazed with the creativity and effort of every child who entered the competition.

Prize Coordinator, Ms Marianne Galluzzo, said that she was astounded by the number of entries received and believes that it’s a firm indication that art is alive and well in the region.

“There was such a vibrant assortment of entries which certainly captured these talented young artists personalities and passions in life”, Ms Galluzzo said.

First place winners for the three age categories are: Dharylle Price (5–7yr) from Condong Public School, Ayla Drury (8–10yr) from Kingscliff Public School and Leilani Marshall (11–13yr) from Duranbah Public School.

Each prize winner, along with the creators of 39 other award-winning and commended works, have the thrill of seeing their artworks professionally framed and hung at Tweed Regional Gallery. A further 250 outstanding works are displayed in folios for the duration of the exhibition.

The Prize is named after local artist and art teacher Les Peterkin and is made possible by the financial support of Tweed Shire Council and Tyalgum Public School, with assistance from the Friends of the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Arts Centre, Derivan, School Art Supplies, Bunnings Tweed Heads South and Murwillumbah Services Memorial Club. Last and not least, the Prize would not be possible without the enthusiasm of art-loving parents, volunteers and teachers.

The Les Peterkin Portrait Prize for children is on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from 27 September to 17 November 2019.

Downloads

Photo 1(JPG, 182KB)

Caption: Dharylle Price, The forest 2019, Condong P.S, 7yrs old, 1st Prize 5-7 years

Photo 2(JPG, 198KB)

Caption: Ayla Drury, Connection with Nature 2019, Kingscliff P.S, 9yrs old, 1st Prize 8-10 years

Photo 3(JPG, 141KB)

Caption: Leilani Marshall, Untitled 2019, Duranbah P.S, 12 yrs old, 1st Prize 11-13 years