LOCAL sculptor Tracy Luff is the 2011 winner of the $10,000 Veolia Environmental Services National Art Award.
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Over 200 people attended the opening of the Goulburn Art Award exhibition and the announcement of winners at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) on Thursday evening.
Judges Jasper Knight and Dr Bonita Ely were unanimous in their decision over the winners in all three sections but Mrs Luff’s entry ‘Through thick and thin’ really stood tall in the National section.’
“Both of us agreed,” Dr Ely, said when she announced the winner on Thursday evening.
“Tracy’s sculpture was a delightful piece, fun to walk around and look through.
“Its appearance was engaging and beautifully constructed, transforming the humble material into something very magical.” James King from Mittagong won the $2000 Regional Art Prize, which was jointly sponsored by GRAG and Arthead with his oil painting on paper titled ‘Berrima Internment Camp’.
GRAG director Jane Cush said the judges were unaware of the names of any of the artists who entered the competition, however they may have seen other examples of their work in other exhibitions.
“It is an interesting coincidence that the James King sells his work through Becker Minty in Potts Point and the store was also hosting ‘A Tension In Space’ by Tracy Luff, on loan from the artist and NG Art Gallery in their front window during March,” Mrs Cush said.
“Tracy, like Veolia, is a strong supporter of GRAG and her work is really amazing.
“I know this award will help Tracy to continue to reach further with her work.”
Mrs Luff was totally lost for words when Dr Ely announced the winner. By her expression of surprise she had no expectation of winning amongst the large number of professional practicing artists who had entered outstanding works in the National competition.
“I didn’t get a call, this was totally unexpected,” Mrs Luff said as she was pushed to her feet by husband Ross.
“It was only at the last minute Ross and I decided to come.” She thanked Veolia, the judges, everyone who entered and Arthead for sponsoring the other sections and everyone who came along to view the exhibition.
“This is so amazing, I don’t know what to say,” Mrs Luff said.
The $500 Arthead Secondary School Art Award was won by Goulburn High School student Polly Hazelton. Her plaster and recycled material work took about four months to create and like the other winners “the work engaged its audience” Dr Ely said.
“It is critical of our times.”
The judges also highly commended several entries in each section. More photos in Wednesday’s Goulburn Post.
