Community & Business
15 July, 2025
Impressive art shows depth of talent
FROM extraordinary sculptures, fine needlework and paintings to woodwork, pottery and photography, the variety and quality of this year’s Mareeba Art Society Art Exhibition ensured a steady flow of visitors and keen buyers last week.
“Opening night was really well attended by sponsors, artists and supporters of the arts,” Art Society president Faythe Keogh said.
“Our guest judge was very impressed by the depth of talent here, as well as the emerging talent we have.”
This year’s 62nd exhibition, with the theme Flight, drew over 150 entries across a wide range of mediums. Judging was carried out by Patricia Taylor, a well-known artist based near the Sunshine Coast, and an art judge both in Australia and internationally.
During the week Ms Taylor held a pastels workshop and also offered critiques for artists on all of their entries.
Taking out the David Kempton MP Open Award was Lorraine Cross, with her stunning portrait, “Gary”. Her equally remarkable “Blushing Beauty” also won the oil painting category.
Other notable awards included Sandra Anlezark for her work in Shibor; Jada Stankovich who won the Angela Toppin Junior Award Any Medium for “Queen Padme”; Linda Barrett for her Acrylic work “Charged”; and a highly commended award to the Mareeba Bluecare Respite group’s mixed media entry, “The Bee”.
The show finished up at midday on Saturday with the announcement of the People’s Choice Awards which went to (senior) Lorraine Cross for her piece “Gary” and (junior) Jada Stankovich with “Queen Padme”.
