Last month, local Western Suburbs artists, of all talents, proudly displayed their masterpieces as part of the inaugural Art West Portrait Prize, which was won by artist Anna Ballarin for her piece ‘I Am Sam, My Silent Angel’.
Speaking at the Portrait Prize Night, Dr Christian Rowan MP, the Liberal National Party’s Shadow Minister for the Arts and State Member for Moggill, paid tribute to the breadth and depth of local artistic talent on display.
“It is a real honour to be able to sponsor and support this terrific initiative, and celebrate the inaugural Art West Portrait Prize.
“As Shadow Minister for the Arts, I’ve been fortunate to see first-hand the diverse artistic talent in our great state of Queensland.
“Having had the opportunity to examine some of the outstanding pieces on display at the Art West Community Art Gallery, I can proudly say that plenty of that Queensland talent can be found right here in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane”. Dr Rowan said.
Since its first exhibit in 2016, the Art West Community Gallery has been a beacon for emerging and established artists of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs.
Before the finalists were announced, Dr Rowan paid special tribute to Art West Founder, and President, Colin Williams, for his tireless work for the Community Gallery.
“It is because of the great foresight that Col had, as he worked with the community four years ago, that we can gather in this great Community Gallery and celebrate and foster the work of local artists.
“Over the last four years, the Gallery has only gone from strength to strength and it has been amazing in the way it has engaged with the western suburbs community, particularly with local schools, charity, and community groups.
“My congratulations again to Anna on her first place, and to all artists for their stunning works.” Dr Rowan said.
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