Friday night was the gala opening of the 19th Biennial Stanthorpe Art Festival, and a first for us. What a wonderful night! All 250 tickets were sold out and the art gallery was a buzz with energy and excitement.
The festival was opened by the very warm and eloquent Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley AO. We at Alure Boutique Villas were delighted to host John McDonald, esteemed art critic and author during his Stanthorpe stay. John performed the very difficult task of judging at the festival. With over 1000 entries Australia wide, John managed to somehow whittle the exhibition down to 145 diverse contemporary works. The winner of the $10,000 prize was Gosia Wlodarczak’s striking artwork titled “Lawrence Armchair Graphite #2”. Other renowned artists include Greg Daly, Thomas Spence, Robyn Sweeney, Richard Dunlop, Josie Petyarre and Nigel Killalea to name just a few.
As festival sponsors, we were invited to a preview tour of the exhibits with John McDonald. We found John’s comments and knowledge illuminating and insightful.
Do yourself a favour and see the Stanthorpe Art Festival before it ends on 18 April 2010!