ART ABOUT

Seeing the Soul Art Prize announced

A painting by Tewantin artist Jo Hawkins received the Seeing the Soul Art Prize’s Major Prize of $2,500 at the exhibition opening on 13 April at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre. Unconditional – by the self-taught artist and former graphic designer – depicts the unconditional love of a woman and her dog.

Other prize winners selected from 82 entries by 48 local, Qld and interstate artists were:

Runner-Up Prize ($1,500) – Ellie Sutton (Blue Mountains, NSW) for photograph Little Bird.

Highly Commended Prize ($1,500) – Jasmine Veronique (Yandina) for painting Innocent Harmony.

Under 18 Emerging Artist Prize ($500) – Ellenie Faith Kirkman (Tewantin) for painting Kindred Spirits.

“We are extremely grateful to all the artists who donated works and extend a heartfelt congratulations to our prize winners – especially Jo Hawkins for taking away the Major Prize,” said Hoofbeats Sanctuary Founder and CEO, Barb Blashki.

“We’re encouraging the public to visit the exhibition over the next month and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award which will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.”

Steve Clarke, Branch Manager, Bendigo Community Bank Cooroy said he was proud to provide banking and sponsorship support to Hoofbeats Sanctuary. “Sponsoring the art prize and exhibition is one way we can help Barb and her incredible team with their work supporting women and children impacted by trauma, which is vital for the Sunshine Coast region,” said Steve.

Seeing the Soul Art Prize and Exhibition continues until 12 May. All artworks are for sale and can be purchased at: seeingthesoul.org.au/ exhibition2024. It is a major fundraising initiative to support and promote Hoofbeats Sanctuary’s work and celebrates showcasing artwork inspired by the human/animal connection, while raising awareness of mental health.

Located at Doonan, Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a safe, restorative space that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional wellbeing of people living with mental health challenges resulting from trauma. Visit: hoofbeats.org.au.