Time running out for Warwick Art Gallery’s local exhibition

An exhibition of art by 50 local artists at Warwick Art Gallery will be on display until March 31, and residents are urged to take a sneak peek before it’s too late.

Artists from the Southern Downs, Granite Belt and border region were invited to participate in the show.

Gallery director Karina Devine said it was remarkable to see such variety of styles and mediums that artists in the region produced.

“We have beautiful landscapes but also really exciting abstracts, stunning wearable art and superb sculptures,” she said.

Guest judge from Toowoomba and art critic Sandy Pottinger awarded prizes to the best two dimensional, three dimensional and contemporary textile or wearable art entries.

“As the 2013 award selector it has been my happy, challenging, and infinitely rewarding task to browse around the exhibition and absorb the feel of the works, to focus critically, and look with purpose, to tune into the artist’s intentions,” Ms Pottinger said.

Allora artist Dorothy Haig won the Two Dimensional work section for Memories of a Fibulanomist.”This work actually encapsulates the essence of the exhibition because it ticks a painting box, a textile box, and as it is presented in a box frame to accommodate the assemblage, it could be said to be three dimensional,” Ms Pottinger said.

Warwick Artist Pat Benkendorff won the three dimensional work sections with High Tea.”This is a wry, personal statement that suggests repleteness after a foray into the pleasures of an indulgent sugar fix,” she said.

Another Warwick Artist Debby Maree Ward won the textile or wearable art section for

Tiffany Ice (Race Day Hat).”This work certainly fulfils the category of ‘Wearable Art,” she said.

“With its elegant flow of rhythmic lines, attention to decorative detail, and playful touches of bling.

“However, it is also a sculptural artwork that reflects the unified harmony of the intuitive use of the elements and principles of composition further enhanced by the thoughtful and sympathetic presentation.”

The Gallery is Free open 10am to 4pm weekdays (closed Mondays) and 10am to 1pm on weekends.