By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The art event in Monbulk started just a few months ago to celebrate the local community and on Saturday 25 October, a big gathering took place to announce the winners, making it a unique occasion.
A dedicated local advocate and the event’s organiser Jeanette Pritchard, and a local artist and teacher Nikki Carter, aimed to create a fun winter activity that would bring people together and celebrate the town in a vibrant style.
They encouraged people to submit canvases across three categories – open, beginner, and under 15.
Participants were invited to create artwork that celebrated Monbulk in some way.
The event featured art workshops that helped first-time painters build their confidence, with over 100 colourful paintings were displayed in the windows of businesses along Main Street in Monbulk – showcasing the true colours of Monbulk through its talented artists.
There were over 107 entries, with artists ranging from just five-years-old to 93-years-old, including 57 from beginners, the three judges, Elizabeth Gleeson, Gerard Russo, and Mel Brigg had a tough job deciding on the winners due to the high quality of the artworks.
The entries were judged based on technique, creativity, and originality, as well as colour and composition, and how emotive the work was – but the most important aspect was whether the artwork celebrated Monbulk.
Monbulk muralist and fine artist Elizabeth Gleeson said the Celebrate Monbulk event was all about bringing the community together through art.
“It was heart-warming to see so many complete beginners and people who hadn’t painted in years pick up a brush and give it a try, it didn’t matter if they felt nervous or weren’t as skilled as professional artists; everyone was encouraged to have a go, and it was truly wonderful to see,” Ms Gleeson said.
“It was honestly quite challenging to judge, even with a panel of professional artists, the three of us had great discussions as we went through each piece, sharing our thoughts on why certain works might deserve to be winners or highly commended.”
“Having a range of professional judges really helped in making those decisions.”
She said it’s delightful how the event turned the whole village into a public art gallery.
In the Under 15 category, Auska Khean Felscher won with her painting “Birch Trees in the Forest,” created during a Forest Art Workshop at Monbulk Primary School.
Auska Keane Felscher’s art teacher Kelly Cathie from Monbulk Primary School said they were very fortunate to have Senorita Nikki Carter come to Monbulk Primary School to lead an Art Workshop incursion.
“This led to the creation of the beautiful paintings that our students and community were able to proudly walk past and appreciate,” Ms Cathie said.
“The students loved learning new techniques from Nikki and enjoyed reflecting on, celebrating, and expressing what Monbulk meant to them, our prep students also went on an excursion while exploring our beautiful community and were often stopping to admire all the pieces that have been on display in Main Street.”
“Thank you Jeanette and Nikki for organising such a wonderful experience for our children and community, and for exhibiting the pieces for all of Monbulk to enjoy.”
Highly Commended awards went to five-year-old Kennedy Paynter and Charlotte Hardicre.
In the Beginner category, Nicole Hornsby triumphed with her first-ever painting, “Sooty,” which she created after attending the Pop Art Pet workshop and the Paint a Forest and KaBloom Flower Workshops during winter.
The judges unanimously praised her work for meeting all the criteria – highly commended in this category were Francesca Guito and Sophie Siegel.
In the Open category, Pixie Eisele took home the top prize with her painting “Autumn Gold at Seamer Bridge.”
An established artist, Pixie had not picked up a brush in eight-years and thought her painting days were behind her until she attended a Hen’s Paint Party in February, which reignited her passion for art.
Encouraged by her daughter, Laura Cross, Pixie decided to enter the “Celebrate Monbulk” event.
Highly Commended awards went to Laura Fullagar and Misa Eng.
The People’s Choice Award went to Emma Johnson for her painting “Monbulk Round About,” she is a local watercolour artist who works at the Monbulk Post Office.
She said she sees the roundabout every time she goes to and from work – it showcases Monbulk’s dedication to flowers, and its vibrant, well-cared-for appearance perfectly represents the Monbulk community.
“I’m grateful to have won this award, this win has motivated me to create even more,” she said.
“I was surprised because there were so many beautiful works submitted – honestly, I wouldn’t have been surprised if mine was overlooked.”
“I believe art brings the community together, it was wonderful to see people observing and discussing each piece, it encourages others to notice and find beauty in things they might otherwise miss.”
She’s very proud of everyone who entered and gave it a go and is looking forward to next year’s event.
The event not only highlighted artistic talent but also boosted community spirit, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
