THE CABONNE Acquisitive Art Prize will return next month, celebrating the creativity of artists across the region and providing a platform for emerging talent.
The exhibition was originally the idea of former Cabonne councillor and current chair of the Arts Council Cabonne, Libby Oldham, who introduced the concept during her time with Cabonne Council.
“This was to give an opportunity for emerging artists and for children in the schools to have an outlet to display their works,” Ms Oldham said.
Now in its 17 year, the prize has continued to grow, with this year’s exhibition featuring 38 artworks in the main acquisitive art prize and around 50 entries in the Young Artist Prize.
Ms Oldham said she was pleased to see a growing number of emerging artists participating.
“Over 50 per cent of the art is now from emerging artists,” she said. “We always have some that are senior and very established artists, but this year we’ve received more from the emerging artists which is lovely.”
Having run an art gallery in Molong for more than 20 years, Ms Oldham said she has always believed in the importance of creativity within a community.
“I think arts and culture have always played a major part in communities,” she said. “It helps bring people together.”
The exhibition will showcase paintings and mixed media works, with artworks available for purchase.
The main acquisitive prize is valued at $5000, with the winning artwork becoming part of the Cabonne Council art collection.
The People’s Choice Award will also return, with visitors able to vote for their favourite artwork.
The Cabonne Acquisitive Art Prize Exhibition will be held at the Cabonne Community Centre from Monday, July 13 until Friday, July 24. The presentation night will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 6pm.