Patonga artist wins prestigious award

Patonga artist Jocelyn Maughan has been selected for the prestigious Kedumba Drawing Award at Wentworth Falls for her portrait of Patonga fisherman Stewart Darnley, also known as Storm Boy.

The Kedumba Drawing Award is a national $20,000 acquisitive award, established in 1990.

It is considered to be the most prestigious award in Australia for drawing.

It is by invitation only and judged each year by an eminent Australian artist.

It was judged this year by David Naseby.

Ms Maughan said she was pleased that her work was selected.

"I didn't think my work would have been suitable but they obviously did," said Ms Maughan.

Jocelyn is the owner of the Patonga Bakehouse Gallery and still gives free help to budding art students despite being despite being 72 and a retired art teacher.

"Apparently people say I'm one of the best draftsmen in Australia.

"I don't know whether it's true, but its rather nice that people say that.

"We don't seek fame and fortune money wise.

"We just like to be able to contribute to the art world.

"We've had a great life out of art, myself and my partner, and we're very happy to help and put it back in," said Ms Maughan.

Media release, 10 Nov 2011 Marlene Plummer, Kedumba Drawing Award Kaitlin Watts, 10 Nov 2011 Interviewee: Jocelyn Maughan