Community
30 June, 2023
Exhibition now on
THE Merri View Gallery is currently hosting the Warrnambool and District Artists Society’s 28th annual awards exhibition.
The exhibition was officially opened by Warrnambool mayor Debbie Arnott last Friday night.
The exhibition is the highlight of the year for the group whose members display new works in a variety of genres. Local professional artist Kathryn Ryan was the judge this year – awarding prizes from over 100 pieces in the categories of watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel and mixed media.
The Stephen Benham Memorial prize for birds and animals was won by Gwyn Taylor and the Maureen Healey Prize for best floral art was awarded to Lorraine Deppeler.
The ‘Best in Show’ winner of the prestigious Judith Watson Trophy was Ricky Schembri.
These annual awards provide over 70 members of the society with the opportunity to showcase and sell their works while gaining recognition of their artistic talent.
Over many years at this annual event, WADAS has collaborated with the charity, Water for East Timor (WET), with proceeds from the sale of tickets from the opening night going towards the dedicated work of this local group in providing clean water and sanitary systems to villages in Timor-Leste. Ella Baudinette won the WET award for the best painting featuring water.
WET member Policarpo congratulated Ella and presented her with a traditional Timorese Tais.
The exhibition is open for viewing and sales each day from Saturday, June 24 until Sunday, July 9 from 12 noon-4pm.
The gallery is located in Coramba Court, Warrnambool. Gallery admission is free.
