Junior artist’s talents applauded and awarded

Natasha Lions from Soldiers Hill Kindergarten points out her painting.

The theme for this year’s Ballarat Children’s Art Awards was ‘when I grow up my house, my space will be?’

Fifteen hundred students from the city’s primary schools artistically answered the question with entries in pencils, pastels, crayons and paint.

Sustainable architect Talina Edwards, who judged the competition, said there were many entries featuring a square with a triangle roof, two windows and a door.

“I looked for something different and unique when choosing the finalists and ultimately the three prize winners for each category,” she said. “I was so inspired by the kid’s imagination. There were houses flying in outer space, a lot of tree houses and even one shaped like a turtle.

“It was a tough job judging all the kids work but I had so much fun. Everyone is a winner today and all their families and friends should be very proud of each child’s effort.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Belinda Coates welcomed over 300 parents, families, primary school, and kindergarten children to the award ceremony held at the North Ballarat Sports Club.

Cr Coates said the enthusiasm, imagination and skill shown by the students in their paintings and drawings demonstrated the benefits of the city being recognised as a Child Friendly City.

All the finalist’s entries for the Children’s Art Awards were on display at the prize giving ceremony.

“With our Creative City Strategy also in place, just like Dorothy we could say ‘there is no place like home,’” she said.

“Organisers Margie Balazic and Katherine Henderson have done an amazing job and should be congratulated for encouraging so many schools and children to be involved.”

2019 Ballarat Children’s Art Awards – results

Kindergarten – 1st Silas Holyoak, 2nd – Scarlett Rowe, 3rd – Charlie Everett

Grade prep and foundation – 1st Matilda Dinneen, 2nd – Murphy Noonan, 3rd – Luella Dunstan

Grade 1 and 2 – 1st – Wes Glasson, 2nd – Allyssa Harvey, 3rd – Date Toohey

Grade 3 and 4 – 1st – Freya McGowan, 2nd – Natasha Beck, 3rd – Hudson Bennet

Grade 5 and 6 – 1st – Mercedes Hobson, 2nd – Phoebe Rivett, 3rd – Atelatie Tupou

Year 7 – 1st – Cindy Thomson Lucas