Despite the fact they didn’t receive a flood of entries, Amanda Colwell and Jamie-Lea Hodges from Outback Arts were very pleased with the quality of the artworks which were entered in the Outback Arts inaugural exhibition, ‘Water Marks’.
‘Water Marks’ is being held in response to the floods that took place throughout the Outback Arts region earlier this year. All artists residing within the region were asked to enter artworks reflecting this event. There were four categories: 12 years and under, 13 to 17 years, open (18+) two-dimensional and open three-dimensional. Prizes were on offer for all four of these categories in each of the shires located within the Outback Arts region: Walgett, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Bourke, Cobar and Warren.
Mrs Colwell and Ms Hodges were at the Lightning Ridge Arts and Craft Centre on Monday to help set up and judge the entries from within the Walgett Shire. Mayor Ian Woodcock acted as the third judge.
There were no entries in the 12 years and under, 13 to 17 years and open three-dimensional categories, but the judges did have a small selection to choose from in the open two-dimensional section.
The winner was Annie Murray from Walgett and local artist Helene Buchanan came second. These two artists will now compete against the winners of the same category from throughout the Outback Arts region.
The overall winner will be announced next Monday after the exhibitions have been opened at Brewarrina (June 22), Bourke (June 23), Cobar (June 24) Warren (June 25) and Coonamble (June 26).
The photographs of the winning artworks will be on the Outback Arts website www.outbackarts.com.au.
Mrs Colwell and Ms Hodges will be travelling to each venue to help set up and judge the entries.
A guest judge will join them at each location – “usually the Mayor or General Manager or a councillor,” Mrs Colwell said.
Ms Hodges and Mrs Colwell said that depending on funding, they hoped ‘Water Marks’ would be the first of many annual or bi-annual Outback Arts exhibitions in the region.
“It is important for local, amateur artists to have something to work towards,” Mrs Colwell said.
Mrs Colwell said the theme would change from year to year to ensure that the competition remained relevant and accessible to all artists residing within the region.
Mrs Colwell said if anybody had any ideas or feedback, they should contact Ms Hodges, who is the Regional Arts Development Officer with Outback Arts on (02) 6822 2484 or rado@outbackarts.com.au.
Meanwh ile, residents of the Walgett Shire are encouraged to check out the local talent, particularly as many of the artworks being exhibited are for sale.
After all, it could be a while before it floods out here again, you might want something to remember it by.
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