Forty local artists at the forefront of contemporary visual art are on show at Caloundra Regional Gallery as the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025 opens to the public.
The $10,000 Best in Show acquisitive prize was awarded to Sam Vatovey from Sunshine Beach, for her work Mount Emu Walk, a traditional oil paint, oil stick and spray paint work.
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Portfolio Councillor David Law said the prestigious Local Contemporary Art Prize, now in its eleventh year, celebrated the diversity and talent of visual artists from across the region.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an outstanding and diverse range of artists and the local art prize is testament to that,” Cr Law said.
“This year, we received more than 200 entries, posing a challenging task to the selection committee to narrow this down to the final 40 pieces now on display in the gallery.
“The region’s talented student artists are also on show, with a second exhibition, the Local Student Art Prize.
“Here, our budding young artists and emerging next generation talent are proving the growth potential of our region.
“I urge you to visit both exhibitions at the gallery to view this outstanding show case of our local artists.”
The 2D Excellence award was presented to Terrence Gillespie from Mountain Creek for Anakie Street, a framed fine art giclée print.
Erin Conron of Verrierdale received the 3D Excellence award for Parallax Series, Sphere #1, a blown and kiln-fired glass with applied enamel.
The exhibition is on show at Caloundra Regional Gallery and online at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au from April 11 to June 8, 2025.
Keen art lovers can view the exhibition in person or online and vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award.
People’s Choice is often one of the most coveted prizes for artists to receive and one lucky voter will receive a $50 voucher to the Caloundra Regional Gallery store.
