A wonderful selection of artworks by talented local artists was on display at the Taste Art Prize as part of the Coly Food and Farm Festival weekend held on the 28th 29th and 30th October. With a total of 92 works on display, the organising committee were very grateful to everyone who entered and made the display an outstanding success over the weekend. Many of the artists also had to risk driving through flood waters to be able to deliver their entries.

The Opening Night Cocktail Party saw judges Kerri Weymouth and Kylie Rossato present the prizes to the winners. Congratulations to all the winners!

Main Art Prize ($500) Sponsored by Western Riverina Arts was awarded to:
Brad Wilson for his painting Off to Work
Highly Commended in this category awarded to:
Nate Walsh for his metal sculpture Gumu the Emu

The Painting Award ($300) sponsored by Coleambally Irrigation and The Bendigo Bank awarded to:
Sophie Chauncy for her painting Coral Gardens
Highly commended in this category awarded to:
Margie Kook for her painting Lollipop Trees

The Works On Paper Award ($300) sponsored by Coly irrigation & the Bendigo Bank awarded to:
Ayla Young for her work Tex
Highly commended in this category awarded to:
Millie Rossato for her work Me, Myself and I

The Photography Award ($300) sponsored by The Bendigo Bank and Coleambally Irrigation awarded to:
Regan Cullen for her photo of Tired Not Lazy
Highly commended in this category awarded to:
Amanda Avery for her photo titled Smile Lines

Other Media Award ($300) sponsored by The Bendigo Bank and Coleambally Irrigation awarded to:
Sharon De Valentin for her encaustic and oil work titled Solitude
Highly commended in this category awarded to:
Kate Warren for her punch needle work titled Home is Where The Plains Are

After a busy weekend full of visitors to the Art Display, The People’s Choice Award sponsored by the Coleambally Food and Farm Festival was awarded to:
Sophie Chauncy for her painting Pink Cockatoos

Junior section sponsored by The O’Connor Family, The Rossato Family and The Coleambally Food and Farm Festival:

4-9 Years
First: Olivia Hardy Farmers are never Happy
Second: Toby Chauncy Coly Crops
Third: Matt Witham Flying High
Highly Commended Ada McLeod Bee Nest

10-12 Years
First: Matilda Molloy Another place Another Time
Second: Giselle Gill Larry Lizard
Third: Hayley Pound Shearing Shed
Highly Commended: Abbey Muir Power Line

13-17 Years
First: Haylee Bellato Ploughing the Paddocks
Second: Lachlan Vearing Purple River
Third: Lachlan Vearing Blue Sunset

A large number of the Junior artworks were sold on the opening night which was absolutely wonderful for all those budding young artists who we hope will continue to create and enter more exhibitions in the future.