There was a highly successful opening for the annual Wattle Range Art Exhibition on Friday night in front of over 200 people.
Opened by Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll, the visiting judges were Steph Markerink, philanthropy officer at the Art Gallery of South Australia and Leah Grace, Arts and Cultural Development Officer with the Alexandrina Council.
Millicent Gallery manager Janice Nitschke thanked the two judges for travelling to the South East and providing great feedback and comments to the artists.
“Thank you also to all of our artists who have entered to create an amazing exhibition of a record 270 entries where there is a diverse range on mediums on show,” Ms Nitschke said.
“There is definitely something for everyone. Luckily, we have redesigned our old children’s library into a multipurpose room which we are also able to utilise as another gallery space as this is now full of pieces as well due to the number of entries we received.
“Congratulations to all category winners and well done to local resident Dale Bishop on taking out the top Wattle Range Art prize worth $5000.”
Mr Bishop told The SE Voice that he had entered the competition on five or so occasions and this was the biggest win of his career.
Now retired from a long career at the KCA Millicent Mill, Mr Bishop estimates he spends 10 hours per week on his painting pastime.
Mr Bishop said he was honoured to win the award with his painting of old buildings given the high calibre of the entries.
The winner of the Mayoral award for junior artists for the second consecutive year was Millicent secondary student Sophie Tilley.
Her 2023 winning entry depicted the family dog Bolt who is a black and white Border Collie.
The 14-year-old Tenison Woods College student scored the blue ribbon with a floral study.
“I have always had a love for art,” Sophie said.
“Throughout primary school I always thought there was not enough art incorporated into learning which is why as soon as I got the opportunity, I did the subject.
“I even started going to an after-school art class and this will be my fifth year there.
“Art lets me document what I see and create something no one can do the same.”
Mayor Noll said the 2024 exhibition reflects the active and extensive group of artists and community across the Wattle Range Council area.
“Our gallery exhibitions are a strong and important part of our communities’ and council’s diversity and innovation for our arts culture,” he said.
“Excitingly, younger members of our community are new entries making our gallery exhibitions that much richer.
“An accomplished young artist Sophie Tilley again exhibited her work titled ‘Succulent’.
“Sophie’s work gained her the prestigious award of the Mayoral junior award winner.
“Congratulations Sophie on your commitment to your craft.”
