YOUNG creatives in Indigo Shire and the region showcased their artistic talents with some scoring awards at the Friends of the Burke Museum event held at the Beechworth Town Hall on Friday.
The joint initiative in its second year by Melbourne-based philanthropic organisation Albert and Barbara Tucker Foundation and Friends of the Burke Museum (FOB) drew 12 entrants.
FOB committee member Jennifer Perrin said young people took up the challenge of this year’s theme “Discovery” relating to their own experiences through a variety of mediums.
Wodonga’s Alannah Young, who grew up in Yackandandah, clinched a win with her paintings representing her personal journey.
Beechworth’s Taylor Price snagged the People’s Choice award with her entry of a large poster displaying a poem relating to how women can be judged on their looks alone, but with more to take in other than external appearances.
Beechworth’s Mieke Bosland received a Highly Commended award for an original piece of music she composed and performed at the event.
Rosie Bulmer from Beechworth also received a Highly Commended award for her work inspired by a Netflix animated series, ‘Arcane’.
Her painting on a skateboard about the self-discovery of two sisters is a complex series of images sensitively and carefully intertwined.
FOB president Daniel Goonan, impressed with the high level of talent, said the competition gave entrants a chance to have their work recognised.
Mr Goonan presented the four awards on the evening.
With the competition supported and curated by Mayday Hills Art Society, a judge Christine Cansfield-Smith said entrants had thought deeply about their subject matter while placing a lot of effort into their work.
Ms Cansfield-Smith said judges had been impressed with the winner’s entry after studying her written statement and evaluating her artwork in detail.
“Alannah opened herself to the audience in such a deep and heartfelt manner with evidence time and effort into both her written statement, her detailed mixed media work for her artist statement and her four beautiful, composed paintings," she said.
“She captured the essence of artistic creation in her journey of self-discovery."
Thrilled in receiving the winning award with a $1000 cash prize, Alannah said her work had been based on a rediscovery of family connections with the importance of parents.
“I feel really inspired and grateful, I have appreciated the validation of my work as an artist and the experience has boosted my confidence,” she said.
Ms Cansfield-Smith said the annual creative award gave encouragement for young artists.
“It demonstrates to them that creative pursuits are every bit as important as other achievements such as sporting endeavours,” she said.
“We hope to show them that art and culture are relevant and necessary for our society.”
Mr Goonan also spoke about the historic Town Hall - now part of the National Heritage listing for the Beechworth Historic Precinct - as an artwork in itself.