‘Faces You May Know’ revealed at Gloucester Art Gallery

THE Gloucester Art Gallery was packed with locals keen to catch a glimpse of a familiar face as the portrait entries in the “Faces You May Know” competition were revealed one by one.

The competition organised by Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI) is an annual event designed specifically for artists from the local area.

Artists displaying their works must reside in the MidCoast Council area, and the subject of the painting must live within the 2422 postcode.

At the beginning of the evening all the pictures were covered, and even those whose portraits had been painted had not been permitted to glimpse the work before the unveiling.

As each picture was revealed the artist, accompanied by the subject, said a few words about the portrait, and why the subject was chosen.

Once every picture had been exposed, the winners were then announced, with a prize of $1,000 being awarded for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third, with lesser amounts for those which were highly commended.

Prize money was donated by the Gloucester Community Shop, Gloucester School of Arts, Gloucester Artists and Lindy Dupree.

This year’s popular winner was Ruby Tonks, who was also the youngest artist taking part.

Ruby, who is studying visual arts at Gloucester High School, painted her father shaving as part of her HSC body of work.

“I want to give a big shout out to my art teacher, Wendy Fraser, who helped and encouraged me with the painting,” said Ruby.

“I want to study radiology at university next year, but want to keep doing art as a hobby.”

Ruby’s father, Brad Tonks, was impressed with his daughter’s work.

“I love the picture-she put lots of hours into it,” said Brad.

Second prize went to a portrait of Gloucester identity “Rattlesnake Willie”, painted by Robyn Swadling, with third prize going to Tacey Murrell for her picture of Julie Samerski.

Jean Buettel, Suzanne Cross and Bev Barbour were all highly commended.

By John WATTS