The original article can be found in the Bairnsdale Advertiser, published December 21, 2022 on page 21. Read the original article here.

That’s a WRAP 2022!

East Gippsland Art Gallery’s final exhibition for the year, was opened by chief executive officer of East Gippsland Shire council, Anthony Basford, to a huge grower eager to hear the EGAG WRAP small artwork prize winners announced. 

This year, the prize was judged by Melinda Martin, chief executive officer of Shepparton Art Museum and the winner was Bruthen artist, Jacqui Reid, for her painting, Cherish the beauty here on earth, acrylic on round wood panel.

The environment and sustainability award was wonderful by Wongthaggi artist, Angus Wishart for his painting, Looking into the Sun, oil on board. 

The O’Brien Real Estate Award was won by NSW artist, Raphe Coombes, Sunset Genoa Falls #2, oil on board, painted at the sunset at the foot of the falls after heavy rains.

The sculpture prize was won by ceramic artist Cindy Tong for her clay, slip and glaze vessel, Natives, Eucalyptus. Gippsland-based and inspired by Australian flora, Cindy uses techniques such as sgraffito and Mishima to create functional pottery. 

Best work by a young artist was won by Isobel Waters from the ACT for her wheel-thrown stoneware, Forms. 

“My artistic practice consists of a combination of conceptual investigation and skill aquisition. When my mind needs a brea, I return the the wheel, where my hands are led by the clay.” Isobel said.

With nearly 400 small artworks across the country and beyond, this exhibition is a visual feast and not to be missed. It’s also a perfect choice for unique Christmas gifts, and 100 percent of all sales go straight back to the artists.

Also on exhibition in the gallery is Kaye Munro’s delicate exhibition Eastwood Wanderings, and in the Vault is Kate Shone’s intriguing Small Sea Treasures.