Some of the region’s top young artistic talent was recently on display at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub as part of the 2022 East Gippsland Youth Art Prize.

Now in its fifth year, the Youth Art Prize was open to anyone aged 12-25 years who lives, works or studies in East Gippsland. It encourages young people to be creative and acknowledges young artists and their talents.

The works were unveiled, and winners announced, at the official opening on Thursday, October 27.

This year saw 33 pieces entered. Works could include any artistic medium, including filmography, photography, 3D visuals, as well as more traditional styles such as painting and drawing.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves congratulated this year’s entrants for taking part in the prize.

“It takes a lot of courage for people to put their creativity on show. It is commendable that these young people have taken that step. The Youth Art Prize shows us just how much talent we have in East Gippsland.

"The arts enrich our lives and these works are well worth coming to see, well done to this year’s entrants,” Cr Reeves said.

Entries were divided into three age categories: 12 – 15 years, 16 – 20 years and 20 – 25 years.

Category winners received gifts cards valued at $300, $200 or $100.

The winner of the 12 – 15 years category was: Danielle Moss of Lakes Entrance with her drawing called ‘Innocence’.

“I sketched out the basic head shape and features in graphite pencil then did the darkest areas using willow charcoal. I used a smudge stick to blend out the lighter tones. For the highlights of the water I used a white paint pen,” Danielle explained.

Second place went to Katarin Weaver of Bindi with a piece titled ‘Harry Styles Vogue Dress’. Ava Aly-Mehlert of Granite Rock was awarded third place with ‘Girl With Sunflowers’.

The winner of the 16 – 20 years category was Imrahn Canary of Bairnsdale with the photograph called ‘Dreams’.

“This picture has been taken on a DSLR camera on Phillip island. After waiting and experimenting with different exposures and levels of light over several days I finally captured this awesome shot. It depicts the bay looking towards Melbourne from Ventnor Beach,” Imrahn said.

Second place went to Jayde Philpotts of Ellaswood with ‘Hanse (Musician)’. Third place was awarded to Ashley Brunswick of Clifton Creek for ‘Mandela Moon’.

The winner of the 20 – 25 years category was Chris Lanyon from Combienbar with ‘Escape to the Arty Loft’.

“The 3D sculpture project is a miniature high-rise apartment, made in a small, old bookshelf. Decorated with balsa wood, nana's offcuts of fabric, foam, buttons, cardboard, paper and found objects. Plus so much glue!” Chris said.

Second place went to Rheanna Williams of Bairnsdale with a piece named ‘Mask’, while third place went to Harley Kewish of Sale (employed in Bairnsdale) for ‘The City in The Sea’.

This year’s judges were Linden Dean of Linden Dean Art Studio, and Juliette Hart from East Gippsland FReeZA group.

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