By Danielle Kutchel
Crafty Officer resident Sandra Edwards has stitched up the competition to take home the top honour in her category at the inaugural Simpson Arts Prize.
Held at the Melbourne Pavilion in Kensington, the Simpson Arts Prize showcased the skills of Lifestyle Communities’ homeowners across fine art, photography, woodwork, ceramics, needlework, paper craft, sculpture, quilting and videography.
Each winner across the 10 categories were awarded a cheque for $1,000 and the event’s judging panel included Channel Nine personality Livinia Nixon, Lifestyle Communities managing director James Kelly and art and craft expert Ramona Barry.
Mrs Edwards had been shocked to discover last month that her entry, ‘Crewel Footstool’, had been named as a finalist in the ‘needlework by hand’ category.
To hear her name called out as the winner was “very exciting”, she said.
“The entries in all the categories were so impressive, and the talent and creativity on display was amazing. I found it quite inspirational,” she admitted.
While all the judges complimented her piece, Mrs Edwards said judge Ramona Barry’s comments stood out for her.
“She is a woman of great standing within the arts and craft community. It was an honour to meet her and very rewarding to receive such high praise from her,” Mrs Edwards said.
“She said the precision and fine stitching in my work and the variety of techniques used were exceptional and my footstool was a clear winner. She suggested it should be entered in other competitions, such as the Royal Melbourne Show!”
Mrs Edwards hasn’t yet decided how to spend her prize money, but said some of it would likely be spent on more needlework supplies. She would also like to visit her brother in Darwin, who is recovering from surgery. And of course, there are grandkids to spoil.
“My grandson rang that night to ask if I was rich and would I be sharing it with he and his sister!” she said.
