Winners announced at the annual Art Awards – Springsure

The annual Central Highlands Regional Council Art Awards – Springsure winners were announced at the official award presentation in the evening of Friday, 1 March 2024. The event kicked-off a must-see exhibition at the Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery in Springsure.   

Council received 131 art entries across seven categories, an increase from previous years.  

General Manager Communities John McDougall, oversaw the awards and noted the increasing number of works.  

 ‘The increase in entries shows growth in the arts for the region,’ he said. 

‘There were so many entrants in all categories and age groups,’ he continued.  

‘Congratulations to all the winners! What incredible local talent that we can now showcase.’ 

One prize is yet to be determined, the People’s Choice Award. To vote for your favourite piece of work, click here or scan one of the QR codes within the gallery.  

Voting is open now and will run until Sunday 17 March 2024 at midnight. Votes are limited to one per person. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 19 March 2024 via the galleries Facebook page.  

 All entries will be displayed Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm until Wednesday 17 April 2024.  

Category 1 – Easel Based Works:  

First: Joe Faust – Bush Creek  Second: Elena Churilova – Frangipani Dream  Highly Commended: Tara Lewis – Summer Solstice 

Category 2 – Works on Paper: 

First: Anne-Maree Perfect – Help is on its way  Second: Elena Churilova – Horses at Sunset  Highly: Commended Ainslie McMahon – The solace of wild places 

 Category 3 – Three dimensional work & fibre art:  

First: Paula Bowie – Ibis Vessel  Second: Carol Forster – Nature Impressions  Highly: Commended Sarah-Menai Strittmatter – Scoria 

 Category 4 – Photography & Digital Art: 

First: Dianne Armstrong – Smile of Hope  Second: Michael Chay – The Intimidating Stare  Highly Commended: Kardia Stokes – Horses of the Forest 

 Category 5 – Black & White:  

First: Lotte Anning – Enduring the Strain  Second: Tara Lewis – Workhorse  Highly Commended: James Laws – Rain, Rain, Go Away 

 Category 6 – Juvenile 13 – 18 years: 

First: Lindy Johnson – Family Portrait  Second: Matthew Weeks – The City Bridge  Highly Commended: Safiya Higgins – Like Grandma used to make 

 Category 7 – Junior 12 years and under:  

First: George Roberts – The Red Centre  Second: Hunter Taylor – Pear Please?  Highly commended: Amy Loch – Turtles at Sea Highly Commended: Jack O’Neil – Chopper Mustering 

 CHRC Acquisitive Award:  

Rose Knight – Ancient Footsteps 

 If you have any enquiries, please contact council on 1300 242 686.