Caroline Hammat
It was standing room only at Friday night’s annual Wattle Range art exhibition opening as family, friends and art lovers flocked to admire the work on display.
This year’s major prize was awarded to Robe artist Jojo Spook for her work The Hitchhiker.
The large sculptural work of a stingray with a smaller fish attached to its back is made up of three pieces using discarded fishing nets called ghost nets.
The use of marine debris highlights the environmental message with art show judges noting it was also about supporting each other and finding connections where ever we are.
Also carrying a marine theme is Jennifer Rigney’s large acrylic painting of Kondolin the whale which was runner-up in the prestigious award.
The exhibition was well supported by artists from around the region with 182 artworks on display in the gallery and another 70 displayed within the library.
Acknowledging the diversity of art in the exhibition Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll officially opened the exhibition noting how this diversity is a strength of the region.
This year celebrates 30 years of the Millicent Gallery with Wattle Range Council’s Manager Libraries and Cultural Services Janice Nitschke touching on the gallery’s history.
Ms Nitschke praised the work of artist Barbara Wallace in driving council to originally build the gallery and County Arts Representative Jill McLean influence was mentioned.
Ms McLean was a passionate advocate for the arts, country regions and their communities and helped drive a vibrant arts community.
This year’s exhibition judges were Dr Lisa Slade, the current Assistant Director Artistic Programs at the Art Gallery of SA, and Kay Lawrence AM an Emeritus Professor at the University of South Australia.
Ms Lawrence was instrumental in the design and lead artist/teacher for the 1986 Millicent Tapestry located in the Millicent Gallery Library.
Before announcing this year’s award winners Ms Slade asked if the Wattle Range community knew how lucky they were to have such powerful advocates for the arts such as Mayor Noll and Ms Nitschke.
“It’s really just such an honour to be in a place that places art at the very heart of the identity of this community.” Ms Slade said.
The exhibition is currently open until December 21st and public voting is underway for the people’s choice award.
2022 Wattle Range Art Prize winners.
Wattle Range art prize: Winner Jojo Spook runner-up Jennifer Bishop.
Mayoral Award: Julie Ann McEwen.
Painting: 1st Julie Kent, 2nd Hamish McDonald, highly commended Carol Baxter.
Sculpture: 1st Dagny Strand, 2nd Toni Greenwood.
Textiles: 1st Jo Fife, 2nd Chrissy Pudney, highly commended Jane Stacey and Marg Hage.
Mixed media: 1st Cate Bell, 2nd Nita Von Stanke.
Printmaking and drawing: 1st Anne Miles, 2nd Janet Cane.
First time entrant: Equal first Glenda Sutardy and Paul Sunstrom.
Youth category: 1st Sophie Tilley, 2nd Angus Pattison.
