Art exhibition winners revealed

Connection Art Exhibition award recipients L to R: Sue Gunningham, Zoran Buzevski, Jane Spracklan, Melissa Thomas and Jodie Zutt. (Supplied)

Inspiring artworks in the City of Whittlesea’s popular art exhibition, Connections, have been recognised amongst an incredible collection of thought-provoking pieces.

The exhibition showcases more than 90 artworks from 70 talented (and mostly local) artists.

The judging panel included local artists Catherine Blakey and Suzi Duncan, Chair Administrator, Lydia Wilson, and City of Whittlesea Director of Community Wellbeing, Kate McCaughey. Always a difficult decision, the judges selected nine awe inspiring artworks for the coveted awards.

Council chair administrator said that the nine award recipients were selected for their originality, innovative use of materials, and creative interpretation of the exhibition theme, Connections.

“The entries into this year’s exhibition were so impressive, which made the judging such a difficult task,” Ms Wilson said.

“We’re fortunate to have so many talented local artists in the City of Whittlesea, and I look forward to seeing many more creations in next year’s exhibition.”

Congratulations to the award recipients and to all the artists exhibiting in this year’s exhibition.

· City of Whittlesea Art Award – Zoran Buzevski, for his painting Reflective Dreams

· Award of Excellence, Creative Expression – Melissa Thomas, for her wall sculpture titled A Country View

· Award of Excellence, Innovative Use of Materials – Sue Gunningham for her artwork titled The Bridge, a poem and painted stones

· Award of Excellence, Response to Theme – U3A Whittlesea – Art4Fun, for their collaborative painting titled Coming Together

· Highly Commended – Glenda Brearley, for her painting titled Community connecting together sharing laundry

· Highly Commended – Thomastown Primary School, three composite Grade 5/6 classes, for their collaborative work titled Connections – Mural

· Highly Commended – Jodie Zutt, for her oil painting titled Like finds Like

· Highly Commended – Jane Spracklan, for her papier-mâché sculptural work Winners & Losers

· Ilma Duncan Art Award – Nathan Buckingham, for his painting titled Botanical 2

The Connections exhibition can be viewed online at arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au