Pemberton Arts Group puts on an ‘Unexpected’ Art Prize, with exhibition opening later this month

A theme of the “Unexpected” will accompany the return of the Pemberton Art Prize this year. Entries number more than 30 for the prize that is one of two community exhibitions hosted by the Pemberton Arts Group at the Pemberton Sports Club. More than 100 people attended last year’s prize, which has had previous themes of Time, Transience, On the Edge, Horizon and Art from the Heart. Arts group president Anna Czerkasow said this year’s theme of the “Unexpected” came from the inspiration of current affairs and events in the community. “We had a brainstorm and there were two themes that came up - one being the “Unexpected” and the other kept for the Spring exhibition,” she said. “I think it was mostly because there had been chaotic times in the world, and a lot of unexpected events in people’s lives and somebody came up with that and it inspired some of our committee.” Ms Czerkasow said the theme was based on its potential for open-ended interpretations from the artists submitting work and allows for thought-provoking work to be displayed. “We’ve had other themes including transience,” she said. “‘On The Edge’ was a thought-provoking and open theme, one that people can interpret widely and aren’t limited.” She also thanked the sponsors responsible for donating the prizes to the winners each year, saying she was “blown away” by their generosity. “Some of these people have been supporting us for nearly 20 years,” she said. “Artists who have submitted works for the upcoming prize have encouraged people to attend to see the different interpretations of the “Unexpected” by a diverse range of artists. “It’s well worth a look as some of the artists are from the South West, including Denmark, Margaret River, Busselton, and Bunbury. “We also encourage beginner artists too.” The exhibition will open on March 29 and run until April 14.