Local artists launch new art prize

A local artists' co-operative has launched a new art prize to be awarded next year.

Ettalong's Art Studios Cooperative has announced it will be holding the inaugural Jocelyn Smith Philosophy Art Prize in 2020.

The new art prize is named in memory of Ms Jocelyn Smith with the prize money donated by her daughter-in-law Ms Victoria Bilger.

Ms Bilger said Ms Smith was an exceptional woman who spent her life surrounded by artists of all sorts.

"She was one of the first women on ABC Radio to edit, write and present music, history and poetry.

"After leaving the ABC, she and her husband Ivan worked for the United Nations in New York before returning to Australia to raise their family," she said.

"Jocelyn would go onto teach Higher English while Ivan presented and eventually managed at ABC Radio.

"Jocelyn was widowed shortly after I met her," Ms Bilger said.

"My partnership with her only child Steven, gave us the joy of two beautiful daughters before he passed suddenly from chickenpox.

"Jocelyn supported me immensely in the raising of her grandchildren.

"Sadly, she passed from breast cancer in 2013.

"I miss her dearly, but thanks to her legacy I am able to offer this art prize in her memory," Ms Bilger said.

Entries for the prize are open now with prizes awarded for 2D (excluding photography) and 3D artworks.

The prize will adopt philosophical concepts and ideals as themes with the inaugural theme being Depth.

Entries will remain open until January 21, with finalists being announced in February.

Finalists' works will be exhibited at The Bay Gallery throughout March with winners from each category announced at the exhibition launch on March 7.

Entry forms are available through The Art Studios Cooperative website.

Made up of five artists, the Collective relocated to The Bay Gallery at Ettalong earlier this year and has since held several exhibitions and other events.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 10 Aug 2019

Leasha Craig, Art Studios Cooperative