17/02/2020
Swan Hill Art Competition Winners
Three talented new artists revealed
Three talented new Swan Hill artists have been named as the winners of the inaugural Mallee District Aboriginal Services Swan Hill Community Art Competition.
The new competition was launched to showcase the community’s talented artists, their work and stories under the theme “connection to culture”.
The independent judging panel viewed the work of over 20 local artists and the winning artists were announced at a community lunch this week.
The winners were:
• Open Age – Steven Wellington (special commendations Tahlia Wise and Derick Hayes Jnr)
• 12 – 24 age group – Ieesha Kelly
• Under 12 Nioka Nalder
MDAS community liaison officer Sarah Nalder said the competition was a great showcase of local talent, but also emphasised the importance of culture, language and storytelling to the community.
“The judging panel was just blown away by the talent that we unearthed – the works are really beautiful,” Ms Nalder said.
“But an important part of the process was that it also gave the artists a chance to reflect on the significance of culture, community and personal wellbeing within their own lifestyles,” she said.
“That really came through in every work that was submitted, in all our age groups.”
She said the quality of works went beyond being an important for of expression for the individual artists.
“It speaks volumes about the artists themselves and their feelings about their own culture – but it’s also a great way of communicating important messages to the community,” she said.
As well as receiving $500 prizes, the winners’ works will be used in future MDAS promotions.
Pictured: Steven Wellington (top); Ieesha Kelly (centre); and Nioka Nalder -- winners of the inaugural Swan Hill Community Art Competition