Artistic gold at Eureka awards

THE Ballarat Arts Foundation’s Eureka Art Award exhibition is now on display at Fairbanks Eye Gallery.

Twenty-one local artists, from painters and sculptors to ceramicists and fashion designers, are part of the free showcase which is open until the second Saturday in December.

Each creative with work featured has received a grant from the Ballarat Arts Foundation within the last 23 years.

“Fairbanks Eye Gallery has generously sponsored the 2023 exhibition, ensuring 30 per cent of all sales goes back into the Ballarat Arts Foundation for its ongoing programming,” BAF chair Paula Nicholson said.

The exhibition’s judge was pianist and painter Dr Di Bresciani who awarded Ben Howe the $2500 major prize for his painting, Rapture, during an opening night event last Friday.

“BAF is so fortunate to have had long-time supporter and Foundation friend Dr Di Bresciani OAM as the judge,” Ms Nicholson said.

“Di is an extraordinary artist. She is an accomplished pianist, pedagogue and examiner, and a prolific painter, whose art has achieved international acclaim.”

Other artists featured are Margie Balazic, Claire Blake, Patrick Duffy, Paige Duggan, Deanne Gilson, Georgina Gould-Hardwick, Spencer Harrison, Heather Horrocks, Lisa Hunter, Aldona Kmiec, Abbie Matthews, Kat Pengelly, Donna Saunders, Jessica Schroeter, Jade Walsh, Tas Wansbrough, Camilla Watson, Amanda Western, Mel Jane Wilson, and Dawn Whitehand.

“It’s up to the viewers to decide who will take home the People’s Choice Award,” Ms Nicholson said.

A $500 People’s Choice Award will be given to one of the artists at the end of the exhibition on Saturday 9 December. Visit bit.ly/3ue6a7D to vote.