Pemberton Arts Prize results in 13 deserving winners, showcasing West Australian talent

Pemberton’s vibrant art scene was on full display last Thursday night at the opening of the annual Pemberton Arts Prize. The Pemberton arts community was supported by a turnout of more than 100 people from across the South West for the town’s annual art exhibition — hosted by the Pemberton Arts Group — where deserving artists were awarded for their creations. Exhibition judge Ben Joel — Perth-based artist, teacher and exhibitionist — said a very high standard was evident in the works on display and in the actual presentation of the exhibition. Chris Williamson was awarded the Ketelsen Art Prize with his line and wash drawing, Arguments Landing, described by Mr Joel as “immediately arresting”. Paul Fontanini’s cast aluminium sculpture — which was likened by Mr Joel to well-known Dutch-American abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning’s work — was awarded the Rygold Nominees Art Award. Ann Evans was awarded the Phil and Wendy French Art Prize for Afternoon Mist, Windy Cliffs, while John Collis was awarded the Ampersand Estates Art Prize for his acrylic on cardboard, 20032023. The LJ Hooker Pemberton Manjimup Award was awarded to Gay Scaddan for Reaching for the Sky, the W&D French Art Prize was awarded to Vonne Mitchell for Claret with a Splash of White, the Southern Forests Chocolate Factory Prize went to Sean Tysoe for The Mighty Minion, and the Berry Sweet Pemberton Prize went to Dennis Wilson for Banksia Bird. Jill Halden was awarded the Shire of Manjimup Award — awarded to a resident of the Manjimup Shire — for Sunset Reflections from Forest to Water, while Janine Hewes was awarded the Curators’ Award for her textile work, Black Cockatoo. The Pemberton Hotel Prize was awarded to Barbara Maumill for April Skies, the Jacksons Encouragement Award Gift Pack went to Liz Bint for Surf’s Up, and Voucher Treasures in the Forest Award went to Elaine Steele for Respite. The exhibition will remain open to the public from April 7 until April 23 between 10am and 4:30pm at the Pemberton Sports Club. The people’s choice awarded will be announced at the end of the exhibition once votes have been counted.