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#Selfies rule as the annual Les Peterkin Portrait Prize returns to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Arts Centre from today.
The exhibition is a celebration of the enormous artistic talent and creative vision of our local primary schools and opens today, following the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and runs until 28 November 2021.
This year the prize attracted a high number of entries and participating schools. Working on the theme #Selfie, primary school students sketched, collaged, photographed and painted images capturing themselves in settings that highlight their interests, life and character.
The 2021 judges included local artists Caz McDougal and Vira Higgins, Friends of the Gallery committee members Rose Wilsher and Malcom Reid, and Tyalgum Public School representatives and retired school principals Rebecca McGuren and Peter Meadows. The judges were amazed by the creativity and effort of every child who entered the competition.
Prize Coordinator Marianne Galluzzo said: “I am extremely impressed by the enormous number of entries received and the effort of every child who entered the competition”.
“The judging was a very lively process, with special emphasis placed on selecting the most original and creative illustrations. This year’s theme set out to expand the imaginations of our aspiring young artists and allowed them to explore the form of self-expression by highlighting key moments, developments, and motivations through portraiture.”
The prize is named after legendary 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 Friends of the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Arts Centre, Derivan - maker of quality artist materials; School Art Supplies - leading supplier of art and craft materials; and Bunnings, Tweed Heads South. Last, but certainly not least, the prize would not be possible without the enthusiasm of art-loving parents, volunteers and teachers.
First place winners for the 3age categories are: Matilda Bailey (5-7 yrs) from Murwillumbah East Public School; Alex Todan (8-10 yrs) from St Anthony’s Primary School; and Mahli Burdett (11-13 yrs) from Uki Public School.
Each prize winner, along with the creators of 39 other award-winning and commended works, will have the thrill of seeing their artworks professionally displayed on the Gallery’s walls. A further 200 outstanding works will be on display in folios for the duration of the exhibition.
In response to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a prize-giving ceremony was held at each student's individual school. An online presentation showcasing the winning portraits for this year's prize can be viewed on the Gallery’s website.
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