THE quality of the Coffs Harbour Showground Gallery Art Prize entries for 2025 made it difficult to pick a winner, according to judge Helen Goldsmith.
The prize presentation party on Sunday 4 May, was hosted by the Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group (CHCAG), where President Sue Roberts thanked the many talented local artists who participated.
“The standard of artwork is outstanding; our judge Helen Goldsmith had a hard task selecting the winners in each of the five sections.
“It is thanks to the support of the CHCAG, along with its many sponsors that we were able to offer the prizes that we did for this Showground Gallery Art Prize 2025.”
Sponsors include Coffs Harbour Rifle Club; Peter Magnuson; Blooms the Chemist, Sawtell; Coffs Harbour Showground; Kadmium Art & Design; Sawtell Framing; Hilary Young; Isabella Brandli; Officeworks; Wanda Green; Ken Pay; Libby Dal Pozzo; Victor Rullis; Saltwater Property Maintenance; Marion Beer; and Peter & Di Wiseman
In the Acrylic/Oil section, Henry Vanderhave took out first prize for his artwork “Fishing Boats” and second place was awarded to John McGrath for “Ancient Ships”.
Lynne Short was the winner of the Watercolour section with her artwork titled “Ballina Moon” and second place was awarded to Margaret Drever for “Babbling Brook”.
In the Pastel section, Ivinnie Brown was awarded first prize for her piece “Winter Storm” and Lynne Short received second prize for “Drought, Fire, then Rain – Ebor”.
The Drawing section winner was Harley McGrath for “Inside My Brain” and Carolyn Druce won second prize for “There’s No Place Like Home”.
The Open Section first prize was awarded to Prue Keen for “Really…” and second prize went to Isabella Brandli for “Memories are Gold”.
The Showground Art Prize 2025 exhibition continues until Wednesday 11 June at The Showground Art Gallery, and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
By Andrea FERRARI
