The Snowy Mountains’ thriving art community is buzzing with excitement as the deadline for entries to the Raglan Gallery’s “Heads Up” Portrait Art Prize and Exhibition approaches. With entries closing on June 2, artists from near and far are eagerly preparing to submit their works capturing the spirit of the Monaro’s local personalities ahead of the official opening on June 14.
PHOTO: Heads Up – There’s just a few days left to get your entries in CREDITS: Raglan Gallery Cooma
Wendy McDougall, a member of the Raglan Gallery board and renowned local artist, shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The focus is on who is in our community. The artist, however, could be from anywhere.”
The competition offers four major prizes, including a lucrative first prize of $1000. Second and third prizes of $600 and $400, respectively, and a youth award of $200 invite entries across various artistic mediums. Emphasising originality and capturing the essence of their subjects, the artworks must be created within two years preceding the competition.
In an exciting update, Wendy revealed to Snowy Mountains News that a People’s Choice Award will be included this year. “We are organising a People’s Choice award now as well, so it means people will be able to come along for six weeks and enter their favourite one. It becomes a little bit more interactive now,” she explained.
The “Heads Up” Exhibition will officially open at Raglan Gallery Saturday, June 14 at 3pm, where the winners will be announced. Wendy notes, “The exhibition opening is the big thing, where the winners will be announced.” She added that the opening event promises fun for all ages, sharing, “There will be a table of plain masks and a selection of crafty pens and items ready for all kids – or the kid in any adult – to make a fancy mask.”
As the community looks forward to celebrating its unsung heroes and everyday characters, Wendy emphasises the importance of art reflecting personal stories, saying, “The whole point of a portrait is to say something about that person.”
Here are the dates you need to be aware of:
June 2 – Entry Forms due
June 8 – artworks delivered to the gallery
June 11 – Exhibition starts
June 12 – Judging [no names attached to the works]
June 14 – Official Opening and announcement of winners.
Download the entry form off our website or pick up a copy from the gallery. https://www.raglangallerycooma.com/portrait-prize
PHOTO: “Mummahood” by Katie Phillips on exhibition in the Tillers gallery.
As entries for the competition come to a close on June 2, so do two other captivating exhibitions at the Raglan Gallery. Juli Fields’ “My Folly,” showcasing her debut acrylic paintings, and “Mummahood” by photographer Katie Phillips, celebrating motherhood with portraits captured during the enchanting golden hour.
PHOTO: Juli Fields’ “My Folly” exhibit in the Mitchell gallery.