Umina artist wins ephemeral art prize
Umina artist Ms Kasia Niedzielak has won the Pearl Beach Ephemeral Art Trail first prize of $3000 for her work Where the Seeds Were Born.
Two highly-commended awards of $1000 each went to Ms Georgina Galea for her work entitled Falling; and to local sculptor Mr Jonathan Grose for Bowerbird Blues.
Three commendations went to Ms Penny Simmons and Mr Hobart Hughes for Bird Play, to Jojo Fuller for We Did It with the Best Intentions, and Mr Andrew Alter for the Elephant in the Room.
Three commendations of $75 each went to artists under 16 years of age for The Bee is Life, The Catastrophe and The Coral Garden.
An inaugural school award of $250 went to Year 9 art students from St Joseph's Catholic School for Wilderness Warriors.
The prizes were awarded at the official opening on Saturday, September 23, in the Arboretum.
The works were judged by Bundanon Trust director Ms Anne Flanagan.
The prizes were presented by Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
The opening included a smoking ceremony by Mr Tim Selwyn from Girri Girra and a Welcome to Country by Guringai elder Aunty Tracey Howie.
Ms Flanagan said about the winning entry: "Kasia's work comprises multiple elements eloquently sited in Little Pleasance grove.
"As a visitor, you capture glimpses of her floating pod forms from a distance.
"You are enticed to enter the grove.
"The seed pods choreograph the site.
"They talk to each other to create a performative space.
"The suspended seed pods are felted with wool and plant fibers and gently float and rotate in the landscape.
"It is a playful work, beautifully crafted, an ephemeral piece that enriches and animates your arboretum visit."
The art trail of 20 works is open until Sunday, October 15, in the Pearl Beach Arboretum.
A donation of $5 per adult provides a Trail Guide and the chance to vote for the People's Choice Award.
The People's Choice Award will be announced at the Beatles Rebooted Concert at the Arboretum at 2:30pm on Saturday, October 7.
More information is available on the Arboretum website at https://www.pearlbeacharboretum.org.au/pbeat2023/.
SOURCE:
Media release, 26 Sep 2023
Mary Knaggs, Crommelin Native Arboretum
Photo: Duncan Bridel