1. Contribution and interests in local and wider community and benefits to the Sydney Hills Community
Ann-Maree Ager’s success as an Australian Artist has in large part been due to the support of the Hills community in which she lives, her artworks are inspired by and showcases the beautiful flora and fauna outside her Kellyville home on the Cattai Creek Reserve. She spends the holidays giving free Art lessons to the neighbourhood children with the aim of sharing her skills while honing her own teaching practice.
The local media has been supportive in doing numerous articles as Ann- Maree draws attention to the talented people and opportunities of living in the Sydney Hills community.
2. Training and education levels of individuals
Ann-Maree Ager completed a Bachelor of Art Education degree at the College of Fine Arts University of NSW 1997, she then commenced her career in Public Education which she is still dedicated to today in her role as a Deputy Principal of a large comprehensive High School. During her career Ann-Maree has continued her Visual Arts education and training by doing numerous short courses at the National Art School Sydney and by spending a 6mth sabbatical with Artists in Houston Texas. She is a multiple award winning internationally recognised Artist and Educator.
3. Performance/exhibition achievements
Most recently Ann-Maree Ager was awarded:
• Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney Royal Easter show 2016 for Leathercraft-
• 1 x Standard of Excellence, 3 x First place, 1 x Second place, 1 x Third place, 1 x Highly Commended.
• Awarded the Sir William Dobell Foundation Award for Dedication to ArtExpress at the Art Gallery of NSW 2016
• Finalist in the Craft NSW Emerging Artist Award 2015
• Finalist in the Hornsby Art Prize 2015
• Exhibited in ‘After Hours’ Western Sydney University 2015
• Awarded the Design and Craftsmanship Award Artfest 2015- Winmalee NSW
• 1st Place Dimensions in Leather – Leathercrafters Association of Queensland
Reason for nomination:
The reason for Ann-Maree’s nomination is to highlight the unique skills and talents within the Hill’s community. To showcase that the Hill’s area is a beautiful and distinctive landscape which inspires Artists who go on to exhibit and be highly acclaimed not only in Australia but across the world.
• Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney Royal Easter show 2016 for Leathercraft
• Awarded the Sir William Dobell Foundation Award for Dedication to Artexpress 2016
• Finalist in the Craft NSW Emerging Artist Award 2015
• Finalist in the Hornsby Art Prize 2015
• Awarded the Design and Craftsmanship Award Artfest 2015
