Art, with a dash of poetry and politics

Over 100 works have been received for the Tenterfield Art Prize, which is due to open on March 30 at Forest to Furniture Gallery in Tenterfield.
A wide range of mediums will be showcased, with artworks inspired by a great mix of poetry, from T S Eliot and Slessor to Aussie classics like Banjo Patterson and Lawson. Half the entrants have entered original verse, in a bid for a slice of the $700 poetry prize pool. Even political poetry is making a comeback this year.
Dr Janie Conway Heron from Southern Cross University Lismore will decide the best original verse awards sponsored by local Solicitors Jennings & Kneipp, Oracles and Settlers Motor Inn.
Organiser Gail Galloway said, while Tenterfield was always hoping for some home wins, there was plenty of competition being received from neighbouring regions.
“Over 100 artworks have been received, with Tenterfield artists comprising about 30 per cent of the entries,” she said.
“Another 20 per cent are from Warwick and the Granite Belt with the remainder drawn from across the Northern Tablelands, the North Coast and Toowoomba.“
Competitors span from Muswellbrook to Narrabri, Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast. Toowoomba based Art Judge Allan Bruce will announce up to seven art awards, including the Shire Acquisition. The audience vote is always a popular part of the show, with the Essential Energy People’s Choice Award to be announced later next month.