Deadline looms for entries

The walls of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery are about to fill up with a bill of new talents as entries for the Mid West Art Prize continue to flow in.

The fourth year of the competition is giving artists across WA a chance to share up to $45,000 throughout seven categories.

Entries have come in the hundreds over previous years before the competition was postponed in 2014.

Now back and running again, about 80 entries have come in, but with only a week left until deadline, gallery administrator Julie-Ann Sproule is crossing her fingers for more.

“I think postponing the competition last year has led to a bit of confusion among people so we want to make sure no one misses out on their chance to enter, ” she said. “We’re back up and running so hopefully people get their entries in soon, as entries close 4pm next Wednesday.

“We’ve had some terrific work come in already in all forms of mediums such as oils, sculptures and visual projects like movies.

“I’m expecting a lot to come through in the next few days but we do want to encourage people not to leave it to the last minute so they don’t risk missing out.”

Finalists will be selected in two weeks before they are displayed in an exhibition at the gallery on January 28.

The winners will be judged by a qualified panel including independent curator and arts writer Paola Anselmi, Turner Galleries manager Allison Archer and Geraldton Regional Art Gallery director James Davies.

Ms Sproule said judges were set to focus on a few key aspects to narrow down a winner.

“In the works I expect the judges will be looking for the piece that has the best technique, talent and uniqueness, ” she said.

“Our last major winner of $20,000 was a Kimberley man named Mark Nodea who submitted a piece called Texas Country as a canvas painting.

“Any medium and any person has got a chance of winning, you’ve just got to throw your hat in the ring for a chance.”

Entries must be received before 4pm next Wednesday, January 14, with entry forms found online or through the gallery.

We’ve had some terrific work come in already in all forms of mediums such as oils, sculptures and visual projects like moviesJulie-Ann Sproule

For more information contact the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery on 9964 7170 or email grag@artgallery.wa.gov.au