Hannah Wilkinson is the winner of genU’s artX Regional 2024 art award.
Hannah from the ArtGusto studio was a standout from the broad palette of 86 artists who entered. Director genU Community Glen Snowden presented the artX Regional First place Trophy to Hannah’s mother when the annual prize was announced on Wednesday 27 March at the Eastern Hub’s Rachinger Gallery in East Geelong.
When Hannah got the call from her mother to tell her the exciting news, she couldn’t believe her entry had received the highest award.
“I was surprised I won [the first place Trophy] and it’s still sinking in. I didn’t think mine was the best,” she said, after seeing the high standard of entries.
Hannah, who entered her work from ArtGusto studio, is looking forward to seeing her eye-catching work hanging in the genU Hall of Fame, along with other winners.
About 100 people attended the official opening of the 16th artX Regional 2024, which was previously known as artX Geelong.
The event is a bright highlight on the genU events calendar, according to genU CEO Clare Amies.
“genU’s mission is to empower people to reach their full potential so we are very proud to support this initiative and showcase the talents of 86 regional artists,” Clare said.
“The quality and variety of entries were once again outstanding, and it’s obvious the artwork comes from the heart. We’re blessed to have so many artists willing to share their artwork with our community.”
Clare said artX Regional was an important part of genU’s work to help encourage people with disability or living with mental illness to follow their creative pursuits.
“We know that connecting artX Regional entrants to mainstream artists and audiences can improve self-esteem and further help to break down barriers that can exist between the mainstream and disability art communities.
“I encourage locals to visit the exhibition to see the vibrancy and artistic flair on display and take the opportunity to buy an original piece.”
Judging trio of Australian artist and arts educator Glen Smith, independent artist Jamie Daddo and Senior Curator at Geelong Gallery, Lisa Sullivan, had a difficult decision to choose the winner and runner-up from almost 90 entries.
Art studios represented included:
- Art Schools
- Eastern Hub Studio
- James Street Gallery
- ArtGusto
- Art for All Abilities, Drysdale
- Studio 44 Hamilton
- Cox Road Art Program, Corio
artX Regional 2024 received generous support from sponsors, including Provincial Media and Prestige Jayco.
artX Regional 2024 – winners
First Prize Trophy – Hannah Wilkinson – Untitled
Runner-up Trophy – Manuela Bortoletto – Hamburger
Provincial Media Award – Jamie Donaldson Williams – Frida
Prestige Jayco Award – Rita Halabarec – Garden City
