Announcing the 2024 Du Rietz Art Awards Winners

The Gympie Regional Gallery is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Du Rietz Art Awards, a highly anticipated national annual competition showcasing the best in visual arts from the Gympie region and beyond.

The winners were announced during Friday night’s opening event, which was attended by a packed crowd of over 200 people, including art enthusiasts, community members, and finalists from this year’s competition.

Award Winners:

- 2D Acquisitive Award ($6,500): _Two Birds with Two Stones_ by David Thorogood from Nambour.
- 2D Highly Commended ($1,500): _Turban III_ by Joanne Smith from Noosa Heads.
- 3D Acquisitive Award ($3,500): _pinampi Country thigga (Remember my Country) II_ by Virginia Keft from Figtree, NSW.
- Ceramic Award ($1,000): _From the Ashes_ by Neita Bage from Peregian Beach.
- Locals Award ($3,000): _The Contours of Homesickness_ by Kym Barrett from Chatsworth.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said the atmosphere during the awards ceremony was amazing, and it was incredible to see so many people not only supporting this competition but also our local art scene.

“Now in its sixth year, the Du Rietz Art Awards continues to grow in recognition as a national art prize,” Cr Hartwig said.

“This year saw a record number of entries submitted by artists from QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, and WA, all competing for the awards. Impressively, despite the national appeal, I am proud to say that 20% of this year’s finalists are from the Gympie region.

The works that make up this exhibition are first-class, and it further reinforces how prestigious the Du Rietz Art Awards has become, not only locally but in the national arts community.

After witnessing the exhibition firsthand, I can certainly say it is easily worth a five-star rating and a must-see, even for those who aren’t usually into art.

I want to thank all the artists who entered this year’s Du Rietz Art Awards and everyone who attended the opening night.

Congratulations to the dedicated staff at the Gallery for the success of the opening night event and for continuing to deliver outstanding exhibitions and competitions for residents and visitors to enjoy.

I also want to thank this year's sponsors. Your support is essential to making this competition possible.”

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to nominate their favourite artwork for the People’s Choice Award, valued at $1,000. Voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on Friday, 20 September, at 4 pm, with the winner announced on the Gympie Regional Gallery Facebook page on Saturday, 21 September.

The Gallery wishes to thank all artists who submitted artwork and the generous contributions and support of all Du Rietz Art Awards sponsors, including major sponsors Countrywide Metals, Budget Steel, Soma Soma Espresso Bar, and CAA Consulting. The Gallery staff also extend their thanks to this year’s judges: Brian Robinson, a Cairns-based artist known internationally for his work in printmaking, sculpture, and public art; Miles Allen, a Sunshine Coast artist; and Sarah Thomson, Director of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

The Du Rietz Art Awards exhibition will be on display until Friday, 27 September 2024.

Entry to the Gympie Regional Gallery at 39 Nash Street is free and open to the public. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information about the Du Rietz Art Awards or the Gympie Regional Gallery, visit [https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/gallery](https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/galleryr "‌")