THE winners of the EJ Mantova Art Prize have been announced, following the official opening of the annual event on Saturday 6 May at Bellingen Showground Pavilion.

Held in conjunction with the Bellingen Show, and run by the Bellinger River Agricultural Society, the prize attracted 95 entries across four categories, each with a first prize of $500 and a second prize of $200.

The exhibition opening event was attended by exhibiting artists and several of them winners along with Bellingen Shire residents and visitors.

Former Mantova winner and esteemed local artist Chris Hundt declared the EJ Mantova Art Prize open, while judge Cath Fogarty provided a commentary on the winning entries.

Selected by Cath and fellow judge, Jo Besley, the winners of the four categories are as follows.

Section 1: Open 1st Prize – Lazlo Jeffrey, ‘A Highway Classic’, pen and watercolour.

Judges’ comment: “This whimsical pen and watercolour work captures a spirit of place and is filled with nostalgia.
“A recognisable scene of the Pacific Highway.

“The work has a lightness of touch in all senses, subject matter and execution.”

Section 2: Landscape 1st Prize – Erik De Jong, ‘Neverend’, oil on board.

Judges’ comment: “This work is enormously evocative of place.

“The artist has employed impressive subtlety and restraint; capturing the valley with beautiful tonality.”

Section 3: Works on Paper 1st Prize – Charlotte Blesing, ‘Partial Eclipse’, collagraph print.

Judges’ comment: “This work shows elegance of composition, suggestion of Japanese use of space, without being obvious.

“It is executed beautifully with both restraint and simplicity.”

Section 4: 3D/Sculpture 1st Prize – John Tuckwell, ‘Bitten Once’, porcelain.

Judges’ comment: “An exquisite porcelain vessel, reminiscent of an aerial landscape view.

“A completely three-dimensional work, the inside is as interesting as the outside with little surprises everywhere in the layering and mark making.”

The judges commended all of the exhibiting artists for their commitment to the local art scene.

Cath highlighted the effort that goes into submitting a work in an art prize, saying that it takes time, effort, and money.

She compared the entry fee to becoming a shareholder in the creative community and suggested that by entering, artists contribute to the greater good of the arts community, ensuring its sustainability.

Held since the 1970s, the EJ Mantova Art Prize pays homage to Ernest John Mantova (1882-1952), considered Bellingen’s first professional artist, who spent 20 years in the town producing countless landscape works and helping local artists establish their own creative practice.

Sponsors given thanks on opening night included Affirmations, Alison Brown, Jenny Diamond, Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio, The C.ex Group, Bellingen Community Arts Council, Island Art Shop & Studio and the Bellinger River Agricultural Society.

The winners of the People’s Choice Award, which is open to all Bellingen Show visitors, will be announced at the show, which takes place Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May.

For further information on the exhibition, contact Mantova Art Prize coordinator Polly Wells at polly.wells3@gmail.com or 0402 555 377.

By Andrea FERRARI