Congratulations to Josh Taphouse, the genU artX Metro 2024 winner! Josh was named the winner at last Thursday’s exhibition’s opening at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre in Preston.
Sixty people, including artists, family and friends gathered to see genU CEO Clare Amies award Josh the first prize trophy and $500 arts voucher. The winner was ecstatic to receive recognition for his talents, thanking his family and others for helping him achieve the award. Josh’s artwork, titled Shine a Light, will be purchased by genU to hang in the artX Hall of Fame at the Highton Support Hub.
Ying Yi Guan was awarded the runner-up prize for her entry, Ice Ice Baby. Two highly commended certificates were also awarded to Jason Saykali (Cosmic Dance) and Imaan Chehnah (Loving You).
Coordinated by genU and curated by the genU Arts Studio Northcote, artX Metro previously ran as three events in Northcote, Wyndham and Bayside. Now, it’s open to all artists with disability living in metro Melbourne, giving them a chance to show their creative works.
Judges Mat Watson and Olga Murray deliberated long and hard to choose the winning entries.
“It was interesting how we both honed-in on the same artworks when we were choosing the winners,” Olga said.
“What attracted me to Josh’s winning work was the dark moodiness, and the materials he used (pigment inks) spoke to me. And I just loved Ying’s work, because it had that lovely naïve freedom and was a subject matter that she had drawn.”
Art teachers, Vicki Barker and Monique Morter congratulated entrants for their artistic creations.
“We are thrilled to facilitate artworks that bring the artists together in not only a creative way, but in forging friendships,” Vicki and Monique shared during their speech.
They also acknowledged Olga for her 38 years with the studio with the first-ever Olga Murray Award. This was given to longtime studio member Paul Campbell for his dedication to his art.
genU CEO, Clare Amies said the art programs provided a safe space where clients could express their creativity and try new challenges.
“We take pride in fostering genuinely inclusive communities and events like artX Metro helps us achieve that aim,” Clare said.
“It was a privilege to see so many proud families enjoying the night and admiring the outstanding quality of entries. It’s obvious every artist put their creative heart and soul into each piece. We’re blessed to have artists willing to share their creativity with the public.”
Congratulations to all the artists and winners who took part in artX Metro this year.
artX Metro 2024 winners
- First place – Josh Taphouse Title: Shine a Light
- Runner-up – Ying Yi Guan Title: Ice Ice Baby
- Highly commended – Jason Saykali Title: Cosmic Dance
- Highly commended – Imaan Chehnah Title: Loving You
- The Olga Murray Award – Paul Campbell
genU Art Programs
For information about genU art programs, visit the genU website https://www.genu.org.au/services/disability-services/lifestyle-and-participate/arts/.
