Past Exhibition: Down to Earth

Sunday, 31 January 2010 00:00

The Gallery's inaugural Young Artist Award exhibition displayed the art work of talented young artists from across the Hunter Valley.  Through the theme, Down to Earth, artists were invited to submit artworks that explore and express their response to current issues surrounding the environment such as climate change, as well as their own relationship to nature.

More than fifty entries were received, in a wide range of media including paintings, sculpture, video installation, mixed media, textiles and photographic works, vying for the chance to win a portion of the $6000 in prize money on offer. The shortlisted works by thirty artists were judged by Bridget Nicholson, the Regional Arts Development Officer for Arts Upper Hunter and internationally renowned sculptor, Paul Selwood.

 

The $5000 first prize was won by Will Sneddon for his Lovedale Chair. Will, a student of Architecture at Newcastle University, created the chair from one recycled oak wine barrel. The judges were impressed not only by the pleasing aesthetics of the chair, and its references to some of the great designers of the 20^th century including Marc Newson, Alvar Aalto and Fran Lebowitz, but also by the technical skill employed in its construction from recycled materials.

An Encouragement Award provided by Cessnock Councilor Allan McCudden was awarded to Brooks Tran for her body of work entitled Marinus Plasticus Nullus Degradius. Brooks' work used mixed media and found objects and explored the issues surrounding the extinction of species.

Highly Commended Awards were presented to Emily Steele, Jordan McKendry, Chelsea Dries, Carmen Rotolo and Maddison Davies.

 

Maggie Hensel-Brown - Earliest Hours (detail) 2009

Jordan McKendry - Rest 2009

 

Maddison Davies - Minna 2009

Correa Wilson - Lifeline 2009

 

Emily Steele - You Don't Know What You've Got Till Its Gone 2009