Bellingen bursts with talent at annual EJ Mantova Art Prize

BELLINGEN community members were treated to a vibrant opening night of the EJ Mantova Art Prize on 11 April. 

Artists and friends squeezed into the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio, where the efforts of around 80 artists were displayed.

This year saw 113 entries submitted across four categories.

The emcee for the evening was Bellinger River Agricultural Society Vice President Susan Lumsdaine, with guest speaker Mayor Steve Allan.

Artworks were judged by Arts National Coffs Coast Chair Annie Talve, and Michael Sprott, a cultural mediator with a background in art practice and curatorship.

Art National Coffs Coast runs a popular series of 10 art talks each year, including six by international experts.

Ms Talve praised the quality of this year’s submissions.

“As you can see, Bellingen and the region more broadly is just bursting with creative talent,” she said.

“It’s a powerhouse, always has been, and it continues to be.”

Apparently one for a little controversy, Mr Sprott joked that he was frustrated at how easily he and Ms Talve agreed on the winners.

The winning entries this year were: “The Italian Vase” by Charlotte Craib (Marie Warwick Memorial Open Prize), “Bellinger Valley Sunrise” by Tony Carlon (Landscape), “The Odd Couple” by Reggy Moir (Sculpture) and “Artist in Residence” by Dawn Lewis-McDonald (Miniatures).

Second prizes were awarded to Richard Sampson (Open), Edward Cameron (Landscape), Linda Coomber (Sculpture) and Gregory Coates (Miniatures).

News Of The Area spoke with Richard Sampson during the event.

He was excited at winning second prize as it was his first time entering an art show and the first time he’s had “art up on the wall”.

Richard’s illustration skills have become popular with some niche markets, including heavy metal musicians and fantasy.

“This is the first time I’ve done something more personal,” he said.

“I’d love to do more work like this.”

He noted that starting out as an illustrator in the UK, he always wanted to draw comic books.

His experience while studying was that people weren’t interested in that style of illustration, considering it a “low form of art”.

“That was in the 90s, but now it’s celebrated.”

Due to its rising entry numbers and popularity among audiences, the Art Prize was recently moved from the Showground Pavilion to the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio at 44 Hyde Street.

The exhibition will run for four weeks, concluding on 10 May.

Bellingen Agricultural Show visitors can also view the winning artworks throughout the Show weekend at the Bellingen Showground Pavilion.

By Jessica MILLER