Morawa Art Awards opening night and exhibition prize winners announced after 300 entries and $20,000 prizes

More than 125 people gathered at the opening night of the Morawa Art Awards where a prize pool of $20,000 was divvied out by a panel of judges.

The Acquisitive Award winner went to Elmari Steyn’s Lakeside Arboretum I, taking home the $7500 prize. The art will be added to the Shire’s art collection for preservation and viewing.

The $3500 Mid West Indigenous Award Winner went to Nicole Dickerson’s Spirits of our Homelands, acquired by Karara Mining Limited to add to their art collection.

More than 300 artworks were submitted in the competition with a $500 people’s choice award yet to be decided.

Shire of Morawa president Karen Chappel said the works showcased an impressive array of talent and for a regional exhibition to have such a diverse showing of quality artwork demonstrated the Shire’s commitment to supporting local creative communities.

“I would like to congratulate not only the winners but also all entrants, especially our local artists who have demonstrated Morawa has much artistic talent that we are incredibly proud of,” she said.

The exhibition was available to the general public with a gold coin donation at the Morawa Town Hall From Friday, August 5 until Sunday, August 14.