Muswellbrook Local Art Awards

Artists from Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Shires are showing off their artistic works at the Muswellbrook Local Art Awards Exhibition. This year a total prize value of $5,000 has been awarded over split over five disciplines. 126 works of art are on display, with another 12 from the youth of the district.  The Exhibition was opened on 29 October by Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Martin Rush and will run until 27 November. Entry to look around the art works on display is free

The Judge this year was Linda Greedy from the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Linda is currently the Education Curator at Maitland.

This year there is a new category - Works on Paper. Over the years some of the adjudicators have commented on the fact that it is difficult to award only one prize covering several disciplines, and so a new section has been added and this is for artworks on paper. This new category includes works such as drawing, watercolour or using printmaking techniques like screen-printing, etching, woodblock or linocut.

The Garry Philp Encouragement Prize will be awarded this year to a locak work on paper. Garry is a successful local artist exhibiting widely in the local area and beyond. The Arts Centre currently holds fourteen of Garry’s works which have come into the Muswellbrook Shire Collection from the Denman Shire Collection, and as donations from Julie Philp (Garry’s sister) and Roger Skinner from his private collection.  Garry was particularly adept in his work on paper and it gives the Arts Centre great pride to acknowledge this fine artist.

Generous sponsorship gratefully received for these awards from:

- BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal

- Max Watters OAM

- The Muswellbrook & Districts Camera Club

- Muswellbrook Shire Council

- The Viola Bromley Bequest

- The Estate of Esther Bellis

The Muswellbrook Local Art Award continues to showcase painting, photography and ceramics. The Awards are -

Local Painting Prize - First prize $500, Second prize $300, Viola Bromley Encouragement Prize $200

Local Works on Paper Prize - First prize $500, Second prize $300, Garry Philp Encouragement Prize $200

Local Ceramic Prize - First prize $500, Second prize $300, Max Watters Encouragement Prize $200

Esther Bellis Youth Prize - First prize $500, Second prize $300, Scone ADFAS Inc. Encouragement Prize $20

Local Photography Prize - First prize $500, Second prize $300, Muswellbrook & District Camera Club Encouragement Prize $200

The Muswellbrook Regional Art Galley is located in Bridge Street, Muswellbrook, NSW Australia. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 1pm on weekends. Admission is free.