CREATIVE artwork from students at St Brendan’s Primary School, Moorooka, and a talented artist from Marymount College, Burleigh Waters, topped this year’s Brisbane Catholic Education Prize for Art Competition.
St Brendan’s whole-school artwork impressed judges who gave it top spot in the primary school section while Aisling Waugh’s pencil drawing of her grandfather’s hands earned her the prize in the secondary division.
She also won the Secondary People’s Choice Award with the same work.
BCE deputy executive director Kevin Twomey presented the winners with their prizes at a ceremony at the Queensland Museum, South Bank.
Finalists, families and sponsors attended the presentation.
St Brendan’s principal Nicole Cole said a wave of pride swept through the school when they learnt about their win.
She said through the inspiration of Year 1 teacher Donna Nicholson, all classroom teachers and children collaborated to bring the piece of art together.
“It certainly was a team effort,” she said.
“We are a small school, with many diverse backgrounds and diverse needs of students and families, who prides itself on working together.
“Being selected as the winners of this prize affirms the uniqueness of St Brendan’s and how we all work in harmony together.”
For Aisling, winning the secondary prize seemed somewhat surreal.
“It was such an honour to be recognised for my artwork as I have spent many, many hours over the past five years creating art through school,” she said.
“I am sure many students would agree that art can be a very complex subject, but undeniably, it is the most rewarding.
“Opportunities such as the BCE art exhibition give students the chance to share their work with appreciative people and from this we develop confidence and experience.”
Aisling said art was a passion for her.
“Drawing for me is a personal experience, one that helps me express to others what I cannot with words,” she said.
“Most of my art is created with lead pencil as it is the media I feel comfortable with and enjoy using the most.
“My art teachers over the years have supported and nurtured my talent, allowing me to realise that I have the potential to become a successful artist.
“For that I am truly grateful.”
The BCE Prize for Art is held every two years with James Trowse (secondary) and Bureau^Proberts Architects (primary) on board as major sponsors this year.
More than 2000 entries were received with about 300 short-listed entries put on display in the Whale Mall at the Queensland Art Gallery.
Judges commented on the high quality of the artworks presented this year and the creativity that was evident.
Winners were presented with prizes including art supplies for themselves and their schools.
Other prizewinners were:
Secondary: second – James Cleary, from Carmel College, Thornlands; third – Paris Jacobs, Our Lady’s College, Annerley; highly commended – Andrew Robbie, Mt Maria College, Mitchelton, and Claire Buchanan, San Sisto College, Carina.
Primary: second – Brennig Lintern, St Matthew’s School, Cornubia; third – Emily Denaro, Our Lady of the Angels School, Wavell Heights; highly commended – Billy Carter, St Thomas’ School, Camp Hill, and Bronte Ince, St Flannan’s School, Zillmere; People’s Choice – Cleo Daley and Ruby Chang, St Ita’s School, Dutton Park.
