New face of art

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
FACES from across the Yarra Valley will adorn the walls of the Upper Yarra Arts Centre for the next few weeks.
There was a drive to enter the annual portrait competition, held by the Upper Yarra Artisans, after the recent excitement of the Archibald Prize travelling exhibition to Healesville.
Visage, in its second year now, comprises portraits of people who live, work or play in the Upper Yarra Valley.
Artists, portrait sitters and the community gathered at the arts centre on opening night last Friday 16 September.
Some of the well-known faces adorning the walls include artist Sioux Dollman, conservationist Sarah Rees, Amanda’s Café owner Amanda Gange, Healesville Sanctuary’s Jill Witherden, regional arts co-ordinator Jenny Davies and Yarra Junction football coach Travis Selby.
Councillor Chris Templer, who emceed the night, said it was a fantastic concept to bring the community together and include local people in their art.
“The Upper Yarra Artisans are a great group of creative people and I think it’s important to celebrate their abilities in our area,” he said.
The artisans had the help of fellow artist Dr Nathan Paramanathan, who judged the competition.
Dr Paramanathan is a fellow of RMIT in Fine Arts with a PHD from Melbourne University.
His work, in oil, acrylics, watercolour and ink, is included in collections at a number of universities and business houses, as well as overseas.
Some of the other prize winners from the night include Peter Quarry, who received second prize for his self-portrait, highly commended were Helen Clancy and Marion Dennis for their respective paintings of Richard Eagle and Hilary.
Sarah Wilcox, Julie Ricketts, Giselle Saifert and Bernie Cashmore received judge’s commendations, Steph Phillips won best drawing, Hannah Fox won best photography and Lou Primavera won an encouragement award.
Nikki Turner won the Alan Stainton and Yarra Junction Hardware Encouragement award for her picture of Kane.