The Central Highlands Regional Council Annual Art Awards – Emerald is the gallery’s premier art event. It attracts local and national artists and is held in August each year as part of council’s Arts around August program.
Established and emerging artists of all ages can submit entries in up to five categories. From easel, paper-based and three-dimensional works to photography and digital art, each category comes with a $750 prize for first and $250 prize for second place.
Each year, judges award the prestigious Central Highlands Regional Council Acquisitive Award to the most outstanding work from all categories, recognise local talent with the Central Highlands Regional Council Local Artist Award and celebrate up-and-coming artists with the Margaret Gibson Youth Award.
In style of an evening at the gallery, the awards night and exhibition opening has become a popular event in the Central Highlands social calendar. Artists and guests mingle over wine and platters, while nominating their favourite artwork for the People’s Choice Award.
To be announced.
Central Highlands Regional Council Acquisitive Award
‘Breaking News’ by Jemma Ryan
Central Highlands Regional Council Local Artist Award
‘Goondoye Love’ by Janine Hill
Margaret Gibson Youth Award
‘One’s Own’ by Lucy Thommason
People’s Choice Award
‘Girl in the Rain’ by Michelle Gray and Raelene Bock
Category 1 – Easel based works – any medium
First prize
‘Focus on the Light’ by Catherine Boreham
Second prize
‘A Pair of Galahs’ by Randelle McClure
Highly commended
‘Above the Crowd (Emergent Leaders) by Elena Churilova
Category 2 – Works on paper
First prize
‘I See You Too!’ by Randelle McClure
Second prize
‘Cooee Bay’ by Jet James
Category 3 – 3D Works
First prize
‘Girl in the Rain’ by Michelle Gray and Raelene Bock
Second prize
‘Gasco Sign’ by Jeff Bowerman
Category 4 – Photography
First prize
‘Western Storm’ by Tricia Godwin
Second prize
‘Twilight on Water’ by Glen Wright
Category 5 – Digital art
First prize
‘Narnia’ by Jemma Ryan
Second prize
‘What Lies Beneath’ by Glen Wright
Artworks can be any medium, including mixed media, acrylic, oil, collage, print and more. Artworks should be on a non-paper-based support.
Artworks must be on paper and can include drawings, watercolour, collage, mixed media, print and more.
Artworks can be freestanding or wall hung and include pottery, sculpture, maquette, carving, assemblage, timber, metal, stone, plastic, fibre, mosaic and more.
Non-manipulated photography.
Digital art and manipulated photography.
Selected by judges, the Central Highlands Regional Council Acquisitive Award is open to any entries in categories one to five. It comes with a $4,000 prize.
Selected by judges, the Central Highlands Regional Council Local Artist Award is open to any entries in categories one to five by artists who live in the Central Highlands region. It comes with a $500 prize (non-acquisitive).
Selected by judges, the Margaret Gibson Youth Award is open to entries in categories one to five by artists between 13 and 18 years of age. The award comes with a $250 prize.
Voted by guests at the opening and awards presentation night, the People’s Choice Award comes with a $250 prize.
The Central Highlands Regional Galleries (CHRG) is the proud organiser of the Central Highlands Regional Council Annual Art Awards – Emerald.
General information and eligibility
Judging
Delivery and collection
Insurance and freight
Category One (Easel-based works)
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Category Five (Digital art)
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Category Two (Works on paper)
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Central Highlands Regional Council Acquisitive Award
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Category Three (3D works)
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Central Highlands Regional Council Local Artist Award
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Category Four (Photography)
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Margaret Gibson Youth Award
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