THE Stanthorpe Art Festival is now less than two weeks away with the town gearing up for a wide variety of artistic exhibitions and plethora of creative events.
This year’s festival attracted 715 entries from artists around the world.
Ron Ramsey (Art Gallery Society of NSW) and Dr Kyla McFarlane (GoMA) have pre-selected more than 100 artworks to be on display in the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery from 4 June till 17 July.
The highlight of the exhibition will be the announcement and presentation of seven awards, including the $20,000 winner of the art prize – the second oldest in Queensland.
“This year’s festival is our biggest festival to date!” gallery director Nicola Holly said.
“I’m already biting my nails in anticipation for the Exhibition Gala Opening, there was an overwhelming number of artists who entered work and the finalists have created a fierce competition! I can’t imagine how the judges are going to choose an overall winner.
“The exhibition is the main attraction and features talented artists from across the country and around the world.
“The exhibition is a great opportunity to see what is happening in the art world and also to buy some affordable art.
“This year, alongside the exhibition we have artist talks, tours, performances, creative workshops and our popular Yoga in the Gallery!”
The Stanthorpe Art Festival has a long tradition of attracting serious names in the art industry including entries in previous years from William Robinson, the late Gordon Bennett, Gladdy Kemarre, Jason Cordero, Gosia Wlodarczak, and judges such as Phillip Bacon, Doug Hall, Davida Allen, John McDonald, and the late Betty Churcher and Andrew Sibley.
The army of volunteers behind the Stanthorpe Art Festival is fiercely determined.
For the past two years they have worked tirelessly to raise the prize money to be able to offer seven prizes with the total prize pool of $33 000 (includes two additional prizes) and two influential judges.
The art prize and the volunteer’s work are all about giving back to artists.
At the helm of the volunteer committee is Mike Roselt.
Mike is in his fifth year as president of the Stanthorpe Art Gallery Society and is also the chairman of the subcommittee managing the art festival.
“I am very proud of our art gallery and all that it offers our community and extended community of visitors,” said Mike.
“The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery is held in high regard amongst regional galleries throughout Australia and the arts community.
“We have consistently punched above our weight for many years and I am proud to be a part of that effort.
“It doesn’t just happen and depends on the efforts of our director and all of our volunteers.
“Being in Stanthorpe (the height of the cool country in Queensland) is a must for your diary and a great opportunity to be part of the Stanthorpe Art Festival. For a list of the finalists go tostanthorpeartfestival.com.au.”
For more information about the Stanthorpe Art Festival follow Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery on Facebook or visit stanthorpeartfestival.com.au.
To book tickets to the Exhibition Gala Opening event or to book a spot in one of the workshops phone (07) 4681 1874 or email admin@srag.org.au.
2016 STANTHORPE ART FESTIVAL EVENTS
EXHIBITION:
Stanthorpe Art Festival Exhibition
4 June-17 July. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES:
Exhibition Gala Opening
Friday 3 June, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
$40
Live Street Art Performance
Friday 1 July, All day. Behind the Stanthorpe Post Office
Free
Yoga in the Art Gallery
Sunday 3 July, 2pm, Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
$5
ARTIST TALKS AND TOURS:
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery Director and Winning Artist(s) talk
Saturday 4 June, 10am. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Free
SDRC Collection Store Room Tour
Friday 8 July, 10am. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Gold coin donation
SDRC Collection Store Room Tour
Friday 15 July, 2pm. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Gold coin donation
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS:
Candle Making Workshop
Friday 10 June, 6.30pm-8pm. Bridget Bunchy, The Summit
$49 (materials included)
Wire Weaving Workshop
Sunday 26 June, 1pm-3.30pm. Bridget Bunchy, The Summit
$65 (materials included)
Journaling Workshop
Wednesday 29 June, 10am. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
$65 (materials included)
Nuno Felt Making Workshop
Sunday 3 July, 9am – 3.30pm. Bridget Bunchy, The Summit
$165 (materials included)
