The Urunga small sculpture prize exhibition opened on Saturday September 13th to a generous and interested crowd.
After welcoming speeches by Mayor Steve Allan and Art Space president Nettie Carse, the judges announced the prize winners.
Following the major prize announcement, Peter Brotherton presented the “See you in Urunga” prize on behalf of Urunga Lions club.
The judges, Jo O’Toole, Senior Curator from the Central Coast Regional Gallery, and Gavin Vitullo, sculptor, chose The Sea she is to me by Tanya Sparke as the $6,000 first prize winner.
Made from sterling silver, copper, brass, aluminium, wood, paper, hand blown glass and peacock feathers, the judges were impressed by the delicacy and intricacy of the work.
Second prize ($2000) goes to John Tuckwell for Sustain, a painstakingly constructed piece made from porcelain slip. This very fine-walled vessel is coloured with oxides and commercial pigments in painterly designs.
The two Highly Commended awards went to Lizette Richards for The Art of Laundry, and James Minson for Wreath.
The “See you in Urunga” prize went to Robert Fry for his delightful Lion fish
Congratulations to all the winners.
The People’s Choice of $1000 is yet to be determined, and will be based on the votes of visitors to the exhibition, with the winner announced on the final day, October 11.
And don’t forget our raffle generously donated by Affirmations
Finally here’s a video of the opening day crowd enjoying the sculptures, food and drink, and lively conversations.