STUDENTS from San Sisto College, Carina, and St Ita’s Primary School, Dutton Park, have taken top honours in this year’s Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Prize for Art.
More than 2000 entries were received, with a secondary school division added for the first time, after a decade of successful primary school competitions.
More than 200 short-listed entries were exhibited in the Piazza at South Bank Parklands from October 27-29, attracting more than 1000 visitors.
BCE acting executive director Kevin Twomey presented the winners with their prizes during a ceremony attended by finalists, families and sponsors.
Year 7 student Emily Wright, of St Ita’s School, won the primary school division for a colourful depiction of her “dream playground”.
Year 11 student Sammy Willis, of San Sisto College, earned the top prize in the secondary division, for her thought-provoking piece, International Crisis.
Students won prizes of art supplies for themselves and their schools.
The two judges Lynne Seear and Kate Ryan – both with extensive experience as curators at the Queensland Art Gallery – commented on the high quality of the art works and the creativity that was so evident.
BCE’s communications and marketing manager John Phelan said the 2012 competition was the most successful ever.
“To have attracted over 2000 entries, and for them to be on public display at South Bank, is a wonderful reflection on the importance of visual art in education, and is testament to the dedication shown by our art teachers in working with the students to create their stunning art,” he said.
“We look forward to the competition continuing to expand in future years, and becoming a real showcase for visual art in south-east Queensland.”
The BCE Prize for Art is held every second year.
Other prize winners for secondary were: Jess Barnden, Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough (second); Laura Klerks, Southern Cross Catholic College, Scar-borough (third); Liam Twigge, Mt Maria College, Mitchelton (highly commended); and Courtney McCue, Marymount College, Burleigh Waters (People’s Choice).
Primary: Matthew Trewin, St Augustine’s School, Currumbin Waters (second); Nicholas Kakourakis, St Ita’s School (third); Harper Bishop, Sacred Heart School, Sandgate (highly commended); and Cleo Daley, St Mary MacKillop School, Birkdale (People’s Choice).
