Mary Valley Artslink has secured inspirational artist Jandamarra Cadd as one of the judges for the Mary Valley Art Festival on 22-25 July.
The Noosa resident has been a finalist in every major portrait art prize in Australia, and is in high demand as an inspirational speaker and ambassador.
He will assess the art entries alongside born and bred Queenslander, Don Milner, a self-described visual communicator who gets his inspiration from Australia as a country.
Jandamarra Cadd – a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung descendent – also has many stories to tell.
His vibrant and expressive portraitures are widely recognised, and the art is a powerful medium to bridge the story telling divide between Aboriginal and mainstream Australia.
Jandamarra says painting has been a way of life enabling him to express his creativity and storytelling and in many of his paintings of the human condition, he seeks to be a peaceful voice for unity.
He uses a variety of styles and mediums with his unique blend of traditional Aboriginal art techniques along with his own signature contemporary portraiture.
Don also uses images to tell stories in his own way through mediums such as acrylics, oils, pastels and charcoal. Unique characters and scenery inspire, colour and enrich his world as an artist.
Entries have closed for the rich prize pool over $8000 which draws quality entries from South-East Queensland. The Bendigo Bank Open Award gives the winning artist $2500, there are nine categories for adults, and a Youth Award for 12-17 year olds.
Festival viewing runs from 22-25 July at Imbil Public Hall, Edward Street, Imbil with the opening night and award presentations on Friday 23 July.
The event includes the Mary Valley Alive exhibition which celebrates the festival’s 20th anniversary, telling the story of Mary Valley through its flora, fauna and people.
For more details visit maryvalleyartslink.com.au
