ASPIR Exhibition Easter 2024

It was another successful Easter Art Exhibition for the Arts Society Phillip Island Region (ASPIR).

The Exhibition was held at Newhaven College and attracted hundreds of visitors.

The opening event and presentation of awards was held on Thursday evening and was attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

The judge was Mike Kowalski, an internationally acclaimed watercolour artist, and his choices were well met.

Before announcing the awards Mike made special mention of a work of the newest and youngest member of ASPIR, Mason Beigent. At six years of age Mason had produced a small but evocative work, "The Drowning".

Awards

Best in Show: Margaret Knight, "Doorway into Nature" (hand stitched eco-dyed silk and cotton). Sponsor: Bendigo Community Bank of Cowes, San Remo & Grantville, $1000.

Best Body of Work: Joy Brentwood, works in watercolour on paper, Yupo and canvas. Sponsors: Clay & Co (a week's Exhibition presented by Karen Morton) and Bendigo Community Bank, $200.

Sustainable Future Award: Leigh Wicking, "Organic Form 2" (Hebel Sculpture). Sponsor: Westernport Water, $500.

Best Textile and/or Wearable Art: Winner – Deborah Wearne, "Endangered" (hand spun and woven garment). Sponsors: Turn the Page Bookshop and Your Pet in Pastels, $400. Highly Commended – Teresa Bennett, "Skating on Thin Ice Yarn" (glass and rocks). Sponsor: Bendigo Community Bank, $100.

Best Painting: Winner - Myra Holmes, "Submerged" (acrylic paint). Sponsor: Phillip Island RSL, $500. Highly Commended – Jenny Jackson, "West Cowes Evening" (watercolour). Sponsor: Bendigo Community Bank, $100.

Best Other Medium: Winner – Michelle Osabutey, "Seascape" (ceramic). Sponsor: Chemmart Cowes, $400. Highly Commended – Bruce Wearne, "Twin Boxes in Jarrah" (timber and acrylic). Sponsor: Bendigo Community Bank, $100.

The People's Choice Award is chosen by popular vote from those attending the exhibition. This was won by Jenny Jackson with her watercolour, "West Cowes Evening". Jenny receives a $250 voucher for Art Materials from sponsor Senior Art Supplies.

A wonderful basket of local produce was the first prize in the raffle conducted over the weekend and was won by Maree Grover.