Anticipation Builds For Mackay's Woollam Art On Show Awards

Mackay's prestigious Woollam Art on Show Awards 2024 is poised to captivate art enthusiasts as entries have now closed. The Mackay Show Association proudly presents the launch of this highly anticipated non-acquisitive National Art Prize and exhibition, set to showcase the finest in art and culture from 2 August to 5 August 2024. Celebrating its eighteenth year, the event promises an impressive array of artistic excellence.
In exciting news for 2024, the event will welcome the esteemed Susi Muddiman OAM as the guest judge. Muddiman, the Director of Gallery & Visual Arts at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, brings over 25 years of experience in the visual arts sector. Having commenced her role at HOTA in November 2023, she previously served as the long-service Director at the award-winning Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Her career is marked by numerous contributions to visual arts activities, including curating exhibitions and serving on various committees and judging panels. Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2015 for her service to the galleries and museums of NSW, Muddiman's involvement is a significant honour for the Mackay arts community.
This year's Art on Show Awards aims to highlight the wealth of diverse local artistic talent and attract high-standard interstate works. With five entry sections, including a local artist prize and the major $3,000 Woollam Art on Show Award, the total prize purse has increased to $12,000. The People’s Choice Award, judged by event patrons, will be announced post-event.
Since its inception in June 2006, Art on Show has attracted a combined 8,000 competition entries. The event continues to receive substantial support from local artists and increasing interest from interstate, with entries from as far as Tasmania and Cairns. Additionally, the event focuses on unearthing new talent among emerging high school senior art students, resulting in a record number of entries and works on exhibit.
Over 250 works, both local and interstate, will be exhibited and available for sale during the four-day event. The public exhibition offers a unique opportunity to support local artists and celebrate art and culture within the community.

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Event Schedule:
Official Opening Evening and Awards Presentation:
   • Date: Friday, 2 August 2024
   • Time: 6:30 PM
   • Tickets: Available online at artonshow@mackayshow.com.au
Art on Show Exhibition:
   • Dates: Saturday, 3 August – Monday, 5 August 2024
   • Location: 500 Pavilion (Upper level)
   • Admission: Gold Coin on Entry
Exhibition Opening Times:
   • Saturday, 3 August: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday, 4 August: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Monday, 5 August: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meet Our Mackay Artists Groups in Residence – Live Demonstrations & Activities:
   • Activities: Life drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery & yarn bombing
   • Date: Saturday, 3 August
   • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Artspace Mackay Curator’s Choice: Artists’ Books Floortalk:
   • Date: Saturday, 3 August
   • Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

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Join us in celebrating the vibrant art scene of Mackay and beyond at this year’s Woollam Art on Show Awards.

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2023 Guest Judge Dr Anneke Silver and 2023 Local Artist Award Winning work, Leo Alexander SCOTT The Squeeze
2024 Guest Judge, Susi Muddiman OAM
Patrons view the Art on Show exhibition 2023

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