A Busy Month for Artists

And the winners of the Clarice Beckett Art Award for 2023 are…

Left to Right – Overall Winner – “Lane Way” done in acrylic by Ian Stevenson, Glad Laslett Patron’s Award – “Indigo Upwelling” a linocut by Britt Gow, and, Junior Award – “Jack” done in fineliner by Kate Blackmore.

June in Casterton offers two opportunities for keen artists to have their work seen, judged, and purchased for someone to hang on their wall and admire. Held on the long weekend, here in Victoria, the Casterton Rotary organisation runs the Kelpie Muster Rotary Art Show, and we run the Clarice Beckett Art Award, both successful and continually growing events.

This year’s judge for ‘The Clarice’ was Lauren Van Katwyk, Arts and Culture manager for the Glenelg Shire. With 80 entries, topping previous years, from around Victoria and South Australia, she had her work cut out choosing the Overall Winner and two section winners. All winning artists, needless to say, were thrilled with the outcome.

Works this year were presented in a variety of mediums, styles of method, and subject matter, including several 3D entries, adding interest for the many folk who attended the opening night on the Friday evening and across the weekend.

Sales of artwork were up on previous years, which is always great for both the success of the exhibition and the individual artists. There have also been follow-up enquiries, post-show, through the group’s Facebook page, an added bonus.

The opening night is always a convivial and enjoyable time for members and their guests, the nibbles and tipples running a close second to the presentations as the highlight.

With classical guitar playing in the background, the fire burning, laughter and deep conversation, in a space filled with some amazing artworks, there was no better way to spend a Friday evening.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, the People’s Choice votes were tallied. “Frosty Morning” (seen above), a striking and moody piece done in watercolours by Jo Taylor, a member artist from Melbourne, was the most popular visitors’ choice by far. Congratulations, Jo!

Without the hard work and long hours put in by Gallery members both on and behind the scene, and support from our sponsors, the Clarice Beckett Art Award would not have seen its successful eleventh year. Thank you to all!

Our Sponsors:

Bendigo and Community Bank Coleraine; Leonie Johns for the Glad Laslett Patron’s Award continuance in her mother’s honour; Gorman’s Real Estate; Caroline Gorman, supporter; Robyn Rhodes’ Music School; and Casterton Farm Supplies.