WHO WILL WIN THE PRIZE?
A select group of Australian artists will be competing for The Hills Prize next month when Oakhill College hosts Art in The Hills. The exhibition, in its 47th year, is the longest running art show in the Hills district. This year’s exhibition will feature a significant collection of paintings from respected artists, including Tommy Watson, Tim Storrier and Geoff Dyer. Artworks range in price up to $120 000. An Art Consultant will also be on site to answer questions regarding art purchases.
The Art in The Hills exhibition also includes finalists in The Hills Prize – a $7 000 art award that sees entries from across Australia. The Hills Prize was introduced to the art show in 2012. It attracts entries from some of the best emerging and established artists in the country. Last year’s winner was Dana Dion, for her painting Cool Summertime. Previous finalists include Guy Morgan, Lara Scolari and Joseph Rolella. As the prize is an acquisitive award, the winning artwork is retained by Oakhill College every year.
The difficult task of choosing the winner is in the hands of the judging panel. This year The Hills Prize judges are Michael Powe, founder and director of Anala Art Advisory, Rhonda Davis, Senior Curator at Macquarie University Art Gallery and Marie Hogan, Head of the Visual Arts Department at Oakhill College. Forty finalists will be chosen and hung in the exhibition and the winners will be announced on Opening Night.
The Opening Night Gala kicks off on Friday the 23rd of March at 7pm, with drinks, canapés and live music. Art lovers attending the gala will be the first to view the exhibition and hear the prize winners announced. AITH Co-ordinator Melissa Reeve says, “We have modern and traditional paintings so come along and find something that you love. And if art is not your thing, we’ve also got lots of craft stalls. There’s handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, handbags and homewares. So there’s something for everyone!”
The exhibition, featuring approximately 450 artworks, continues on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March. There will also be a pop-up café on site over the weekend selling gourmet sausage sizzle and delicious home-made treats. For tickets to Opening Night or further information please visit www.artoakhill.com.au. Entry on Saturday and Sunday is by donation.
For further information please contact: Art in The Hills Co-ordinator Melissa Reeve | [email protected] | 0412 082 209
