The fourth annual ArtHeartHQ Blue Square Art Competition, which closed for entries on May 18, received 254 entries. The exhibition opening was held on Friday evening, May 28.
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Artworks include painting, sculpture, photographs and drawings and are presented this year in the Bowral Art Gallery (BDAS), at No.1 Short Street, Bowral.
One third of each $30 entry fee has been donated to the Southern Highlands branch of CanAssist, the Cancer Assistance Network - the charity chosen again in 2021. Through entries alone, over $2,500 has already been raised, with more expected from sales and visitor donations.
Sonja Millis of ArtHead in Moss Vale, the company that puts on this annual event, said the event demostrates the importance of art to the HIghlands community.
"This year's entries are truly exceptional," she added.
The show was judged by celebrated artist, Zoe Young, who spoke of the difficulty of judging so many different works.
"While judging is inevitably somewhat subjective, it's the image that spoke to me the most that took out the prize," she said.
The show was opened by celebrated local resident and nationally acclaimed poet, Mark Tredinnick OAM.
The winning artwork was created by Yvonne Studdert with acrylic on canvas, entitled 'Blue into Black'. The winning entry receives a $2,000 cash prize from ArtHead.
The Hanger's Prize, awarded by those hanging the show, went to Wendi Touhey for an oil painting, 'Seeking Delft'. Wendi receives a $500 ArtHead gift certificate.
The Bob Millis Memorial prize of a $500 ArtHead gift certificate was awarded to Yvette Marie Tziallis, for a pen, ink and acrylic on wood work entitled 'Oocyte'.
The show is open every day between 10am and 4pm, closing at 4pm on Sunday, June 6. COVID-safe conditions apply.
A CanAssist Collection box is available for visitors. CanAssist is currently supporting over 180 local cancer patients during their treatment.
The inspiration for this competition comes from Sonja's own personal loss of her husband Bob Millis to cancer four years ago and the establishment of the ArtHeart community wellbeing project.
"ArtHeart's philosophy is one of kindness," Sonja said.
"One person can make a difference. Acting together, we empower each other to be so much more than one alone."
A catalogue of the work is available in the gallery. Most works are available for sale. All works are framed, or block mounted.
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