Forty-two local, Queensland and interstate artists have entered 76 art works for the inaugural Seeing the Soul: Hoofbeats Sanctuary Art Prize and Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre in April.
The exhibition major sponsor is Bendigo Community Bank, Cooroy, the People’s Choice prize is sponsored by Sunshine Coast award-winning entrepreneur and speaker Natasha Coughlan, and the runners-up prize sponsors are HinterNoosa, Laguna Pest Control and Cooroy RSL and Citizens Clubs.
Prize winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on Friday 31 March and the exhibition continues until 30 April, during which all artworks will be for sale.
The diverse artworks depict horses at liberty, free from all forms of tack and saddlery across a wide range of media including painting, drawing, pastel, metal and found material sculpture, photography and digital.
Also on display will be a group of ceramic horse statues decorated by high-profile identities that will be sold by silent auction.
These include former cricket great Glenn McGrath, Australian music icon Russell Morris, local food identity Matt Golinski, leading multidisciplinary Indigenous artist Tony Albert, Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier and AFL legend Nicky Winmar.
According to Hoofbeats Sanctuary chief executive officer, Barb Blaski, Seeing the Soul was a major fundraising initiative to support and promote the Sanctuary’s work by celebrating and showcasing equine art and raising awareness of mental health.
“We are so grateful to the artists for their generosity and support for our work and their genuine love of horses,” she said.
Peregian artist Jeannette Smith said, “I felt vulnerable painting this horse. I’m not an equine artist, however, wanted to be a part of this exhibition as I love this Sanctuary and its purpose… a refuge for horses and therapy for humans a special space where only the soul can be seen.“
Victorian sculptor and digital artist Gordon Hayward’s said, “Beyond the aesthetics of my artworks, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for horses and raise awareness for the important work being done by this charity. By supporting their efforts to protect and care for horses in need, we can ensure that these remarkable animals continue to grace our world with their presence and enrich our lives in countless ways. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to use my art to make a positive impact and contribute to this important cause.“
Highly sought-after equine artist Terri Trivett said, “Together we feel empowered, understood, supported, appreciated, inspired… loved. We find warmth in darkness and share joy, together. This canvas was painted in gratitude for our friends, families, partners, lovers, and especially our beautiful, generous horses who are ever there for us, teaching us and colouring our lives with happiness.“
From the total prize money of $15,000, prizes will be awarded for overall winner, category winners and runners-up (painting/drawing, sculpture/3D and photography) and People’s Choice Award.
Judges are Nina Shadforth, Sunshine Coast Art Collection curator, Caloundra Regional Gallery and Yanni van Zijl, local artist.
A program of workshops and Artist Talks will be offered during the exhibition.
Located at Doonan, Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a safe, restorative space that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – those living with mental health challenges resulting from trauma.
The Sanctuary is home to a herd of ten horses and ponies, most of which have experienced big life stressors in their lives.
Visit the exhibition website for more information and artist details, seeingthesoul.org.au or Hoofbeats Sanctuary website, hoofbeats.org.au
