The spotlight shone on Ipswich’s creative community on Friday night, as winners were announced at the opening night of the Ipswich Art Awards 2024.
Winners were announced in eight categories, with artist Alethea Richter walking away with the highly desired Best in Show prize for her piece titled Data Echo 7.
Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Pye Augustine said the awards have caught the eye of artists from across Australia.
“The Ipswich Art Awards are going from strength to strength, with more than 400 works submitted for judging from over 300 artists, half of whom live outside of Ipswich,” Cr Augustine said.
“The awards are an exciting event on the creative community’s calendar, not just locally but a national level, and the winners tonight won against a remarkably tough field of entries.”
Winners of the 2024 Ipswich Art Awards are:
Best in Show: Alethea Richter (Brisbane) – Data Echo 7
Painting: Acrylic and Oil: Chloe Adams (Redbank Plains) – It’s a long way to Wagga Wagga
Painting: Watercolour: Maree Hannay (Forestdale) – Rooster
Drawing and Pastels: Emily Banwell (Brassall) – Budgie Smugglers
Three Dimensions e.g. sculptures, ceramics: Bonnie Hislop (Taringa) – Actually this is my first rodeo
Photography: Matthew Parker (North Booval) – Nugumat Sunset
Print Making (not digital): Khristie Barratt (Lawnton) – Khrissy Babe
Mixed Media: David Pearce (Minden) – The Inventor
New Media (digital, not printed): Jacob Lee Adlington (Karalee) – Resonance – The Symphony of Ipswich
“My congratulations go not only to those who won, but also those who entered. It was fantastic to see an additional 30 pieces sold on opening night.
“Our creative community brings so much vivacity to our city, and council is proud to give emerging and established artists a platform to share their creations.
“If you haven’t already, pop in to 1 Nicholas Street to see the talent firsthand, and support the artists by purchasing a masterpiece.
“In the opening weekend alone, more than 700 people walked through the doors, with many casting their vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
This year’s judges were Condensery Gallery Curator Madeline Brewer and Ipswich Artist Lincoln Austin, who selected the 2024 winners and highly commended in each category.
Ms Brewer said she was excited to see the high standard of the submissions.
“The awards produced incredibly diverse and beautiful forms of visual art. I was overwhelmed with the creativity of the artists. Congratulations to all who took home prizes,” Ms Brewer said.
Lincoln Austin, whose sculpture stands proudly in Tulmur Place next to council’s administration office, said it’s great to see the arts scene in Ipswich thriving.
“It was not an easy task picking a winner, with a lot of outstanding pieces proving how many creative minds are out there. I look forward to seeing who wins the People’s Choice Award,” Lincoln Austin said.
Winners in each category took home $1,500 in prize money, with the Best of Show winner receiving $3,000. A further $1,500 will go to the winner of the People’s Choice Award once results have been collated at the end of the exhibition.
The exhibition at council’s administration building 1 Nicholas Street is on until 9 November 2024 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday.
All visitors are welcome to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Entry to the exhibition is free.
