Young Artists Invited to Enter the Young Archie

Coffs Coast artists from the ages of 5 to 18 are being invited to pick-up a pencil, a paintbrush or even a crayon, to create a portrait for the Young Archie competition being hosted by Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

The Young Archie is the junior version of Australia’s most famous portrait competition, The Archibald Prize, which will be coming to Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery in January 2021.

Like the Archibald Prize, young artists can create their portrait entry by ‘painting or drawing from life’ while their subject has a sitting, or a photo is taken for easy reference. Young Archie entries are to be A4 in size and of someone who is known and special to the artist.

The competition is now open and Gallery staff are hoping to receive many, many portraits of Coffs Coast locals before entries close on 20 November 2020.

The Regional Gallery’s Programs Facilitator, Ashleigh Frost, says the Young Archie has a proud tradition of inspiring and showcasing the next generation of Australian artists.

“The Young Archie is a real boost for kids of all ages interested in art,” she explained. “It gives students the chance to experiment with portraiture, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for teachers to get creative in the classroom. There is a free online education kit available to provide plenty of engaging activities to enthuse both primary and secondary students.”

Cash prizes from ANZ are on offer for winners in each age category from 5 to 18, plus the chance to have their work exhibited at the Gallery, right alongside the Archibald Prize finalists.

“We can’t wait to see what the students create and which Coffs Coast locals we might get to see in a portrait,” added Ashleigh.

People of all ages will have the chance to experience the Archibald Prize for themselves at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery from 22 January 2021 until 6 March 2021. 

The Archibald is a cavalcade of who’s who in Australian culture from celebrities, artists and politicians to sportspeople. It’s sure to be a strong drawcard for visitors and school groups are invited to arrange their own guided tour for Term 1, 2021.

To enter the Young Archie Coffs Harbour, download the entry form including all the competition details. Entries close on 20 November 2020. For all the competition information, go to www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/gallery

Pictured above is the Regional Gallery’s Ash Frost posing for local student Majella Goulstone.