Cairns Art Society 64th Annual Art Exhibition

About 275 people attended the opening of the Cairns Art Society’s 64th Annual Art Exhibition at the Cairns Regional Gallery on Friday, 17 September.

Deputy mayor Cr Margaret Cochrane officially opened the exhibition, which runs until 31 October.

This year, 133 entries were received, of which 100 were chosen by a pre-selection committee to hang in this year’s exhibition. The pre-selection committee were local artist Rose Tambanis, Eddie Hayes from Frame, and artist Dave Rees.

The guest judge this year was celebrated Queensland artist and art tutor Rex Backhaus-Smith, from the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Rex selected the winners of the major prizes and announced them on opening night. The prizes were generously donated by Ron and Marion Ireland, Ports North, the Cairns Art Society, Frame, The Art Barn, and Art and Office.

The winners were:

• The Ron and Marion Ireland Award for Best Painting or 2D Artwork – Realistic or Representational ($2500): Yoko Werner, for Fruit on a black chair.
• The Ports North Award for Best Painting or 2D Artwork – Abstract or Non-representational ($2500): Julia Volkmar, for Chinese Wall.
• The Cairns Art Society Award for Best Sculpture or 3D Artwork ($1000): Dusty Bob Prickett, for La Finale.
• The Art Barn Highly Commended Award ($250 gift certificate): Sam Vatovey, for Smiths Creek.
• The Art and Office Highly Commended Award ($250 gift certificate): Sally Moroney, for Opposites Attract.
• The Cairns Art Society Highly Commended Award ($100): Dannis Prowse, for In the Beginning.

The Frame People’s Choice Award, a $500 gift certificate, will be announced at the end of the exhibition. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to vote for their favourite work.

All artworks are for sale (apart from the Ports North award winner, which is an acquisitive prize).