Great art in the Western Tiers

Mayor Wayne Johnson and Robyn Weare with her ‘Essence of the Valley’ award winner Coalescence.

April 2019 | Wendy Laing

THE MEANDER Valley Council in conjunction with Launceston Art Society launched the Great Western Tiers Art Award 2019 at Deloraine Creative Studios on Friday, 1st March 2019. This is an annual award for local artists in any medium, with the focus being the Meander Valley.

The aim of GWTAA is to inspire skills, confidence and friendship through art – encouraging new and experienced exhibitors alike. It attracted thirty entries, and the theme for 2019 was ‘Out of the blue’. Presented by Mayor Wayne Johnson and sponsored by the Meander Valley Council, the highlight of the exhibition opening was the announcement of Keith Lane as the winner of the major prize of $1,000 for his beautifully constructed triptych Through the trees.

Mr Lane said the painting had been inspired by the view from his house looking out towards Quamby Bluff. The judges felt that his acrylic/oil on marine ply best reflected the theme of the exhibition. Mayor Wayne Johnson congratulated all the winners and officially opened the exhibition to the public.

Approximately 60 people attended the presentation and the judges were Lynn Hasenkam and Dawn Oakford, who thanked all the artists for taking their concepts through to a conclusion. The encouragement award was won by Lindy Bayley for Dali goes Ape.

This year, two artists received Highly Commended awards. These were presented to Brad Quinn for Winter Morning, Westbury, sponsored by the Deloraine and District Bank and Edna Broad for Out of the Blue on Dark Mountain, sponsored by the Great Western Tiers Tourism Association. The ‘Essence of the Valley’ award, sponsored by 6ty° was won by Robyn Weare for Coalescence.