By Mitchell Clarke
Sixty artists across the state have put their work on show for the inaugural John Dudley Portrait Prize competition through the Emerald Arts Society.
The exhibition, set to become a permanent fixture on the art society’s calendar, celebrates the life of a great artist, past president and proud supporter of the arts.
Gifted in a variety of mediums from oil painting, acrylics, watercolour, print marking, etching and sculpture, John Dudley is the former President of Ferntree Gully Arts Society and the Emerald Arts Society.
Held on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July, the event was officially launched by Cardinia Shire Councillor Brett Owen who was joined by fellow councillors Leticia Wilmot and Jeff Springfield and Cardinia Shire’s Art Manager James Fischer.
The 60 entrants were made up mostly of locals from Emerald, Selby and Gembrook but the competition also drew people from suburbs including Brighton, Carrum Downs, Eltham and Wonthaggi.
Healesville’s Janet Hayes took out the title, with her acrylic and pastel self-portrait painting, winning $1000 which was donated by the Dudley family.
Among the finalists was Gembrook’s Andy Gordon for his mixed media piece, Ramak Bamzar for his digital media creation, Rodney Edelstein and Paul Gallant for their oil pieces and Lois Bannister for her pastel piece.
Judging the artwork was celebrated artist Lee Machelak, an experienced judge, tutor and holder of a number of artistic accolades, Mr Machelak is also a member of the Twenty Melbourne Painters Group.
The artworks are set to be on display at the Emerald Library through August before being placed in the foyer for the opening of Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.
