Ballarat draws Swan Hill finalists

FINALISTS for the Swan Hill Print and Drawing Awards were selected with some of Ballarat’s finest artists claiming a spot.

The long running prize is renowned for a high calibre of contemporary works entered from right across the country.

An exhibition of the award winners is presented each year at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, adding to its extensive collection.

This year, the prize received 248 initial entries with just over 50 finalists selected.

Michael Kempson convenor of printmaking studies and Caroline Geraghty director for Wagga Wagga Art Gallery judged and selected the entries to be exhibited in the Gallery.

Among the list, Ballarat’s own sketch and print artists Kim Anderson and Sue Sedgwick made the cut.

Ms Anderson said she although this is her third time as a finalist for the award, she’s so glad to be one again selected.

“The work that was selected titled Shelter is the first in a series of drawings I am currently working on that are inspired by a residency I had last year on the Isle of Skye in Scotland,” she said.

“My process involves photographing myself immersed in rugged, wild landscapes and these photographs then become the basis for my intricately detailed drawings.”

“I am really pleased to be selected as a finalist in this long-running award which has always been of a high standard and it’s great to see a number of Ballarat artists also selected.”

Artistic couple Shane Jones and Deborah Klein both also made it to the list of finalists with the pair saying they were both excited to be up for this prestigious award.

“To be able to show your work as a finalist means it has visibility which is a way to share what you’ve done in the real world and hopefully others will appreciate it too,” Mr Jones said.

Ms Klein added, “I’m delighted to be one of the finalists and to learn that other Ballarat artists have also been shortlisted, it’s just great.”

The winners of the prize will be announced and exhibited in the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery from 4 September.