Congratulations to Emily Dafter!

Post date: 22-Oct-2009 09:36:42

Congratulations to Emily Dafter Yr 9 who won $500 sponsored by Country Energy in the Youth section of the Long Point Painting Competition held at Long Point Vineyard, Bonny Hills over the school holidays.

The event drew much interest from the local area and our students competed against students from other schools. Artworks were judged by Mrs Leigh Summers (Dir. Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery). The event was a great experience for students.

Mr Tafai encouraged Emily to put the money toward art equipment rather than a new IPod!

Port Macquarie artist wins Hastings art competition

The winners of the inaugural Tastings of the Hastings Art Competition were announced on Friday night at the exhibition opening held at Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery. Guests enjoyed canapés made from local produce and sipped on local Long Point wines to celebrate this new addition to the annual Food and Wine festival. Music was provided by Lake Cathie duo, John O’Shaughnessy and Heather Humphreys. Long Point owners and event sponsors, Graeme & Helen Davies, have unearthed a vein of new talent in our local area.

Guest judge, Dr Leigh Summers, awarded the $3,000 open prize to Port Macquarie artist Samantha Clark. The winning entry, “Sandfly Alley” is a “fabulous oil painting displaying rich textures and layering”, explained the judge, The winner has certainly represented the “home-grown” theme of the competition with a luscious oyster the central part of the winning work, which “makes me want to open a bottle of bubbles”.

“We were very lucky to have Leigh, Director of the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, judge our event. She has extensive experience, expertise and independence. Next week she is hosting a national Still Life Award at her home gallery”, said Graeme.

The Country Energy Youth Encouragement Award of $500, was won by Heritage Christian School year 9 student and port local, Emily Dafter. Emily’s oil painting

“I Grew them on a Bottle Tree” was admired by the judge for its strong use of a limited colour palette and effective play of abstract and representational styles. Art teacher, Solomon Tafai, who had submitted an open entry himself, accepted the cheque on Emily’s behalf, from Daniel Bylsma of Country Energy.

“We were very impressed by the quality and variety of works entered in this first year of competition. The “home-grown” theme certainly had the creative juices of the local artists flowing” said Graeme. The entries ranged from depictions of local dairy and cattle properties to café and market scenes, oysters and fish, grapes and wineries, to fresh local produce. “We would like to publicly thank all the artists for their enthusiastic response to this inaugural event and to the support from council and Trevor Sargeant and Tastings of the Hastings event organiser, Sonia Fingleton”.

“Highly commended” awards were given in the Open section to Port Macquarie artists Kerry Kranitis for her still life of local café, Crema, and to Yvonne Kiely for her wavering suggestions of grapes and wine glasses in rich, warm, red tones. In the Youth section it was awarded to Port High year 10 student, Rachele Artuso. Rachele set the bar very high depicting a complex wine theme and distinctively local food, notably Comboyne Culture cheese. The people’s choice awards went to Laurieton based artist, Phillip Thornton (Open) and Rachele Artuso (Youth).

“The Hastings area is a diverse and vibrant regional centre with many talented and hardworking farmers, producers, winemakers, artists and musicians. Let’s continue to support and encourage them” added Helen.

All entries in both sections are available for sale and can be viewed in the wine cellar at Long Point Vineyard daily, 10am – 5 pm, until Sunday 1st November.

http://port-macquarie.info/port-macquarie-artists-wins-hastings-art-competition