The winners of the 2013 Blacktown City Art Prize were announced on Thursday 5 December at a glittering reception at Blacktown Arts Centre. The judging panel, comprised of Catherine O’Donnell, Robyn Backen and Bronwyn Bancroft, faced the difficult task of selecting winning works from a pool of over 500 entries.

Linda Joyce was awarded first prize in the Painting section for her work Xanthoparmelia Semiviridis – The Vagrant Lichen. The judges noted it is an original, unexpected work where technical skill and an ambiguous representation of the subject combined in an unsettling and thought-provoking experience for the viewer. 

First prize in the Watercolour section was awarded to Jessica Bradford for her work Pt Macquarie. The judges noted Bradford’s work is an exquisite, intimate combination of nostalgia and discomfort. 

Rew Hanks was awarded first prize in the Works on Paper section for his work Stop! There’s No Need to Shoot the Natives. The judges noted the work displays beautiful line work and attention to detail, and is a testament to the skills of the artist and his dedication to his craft. 

First prize in the Sculpture section was awarded to Jody Graham for her work Someone else’s life. The judges praised the beautiful piece that communicates the universal narrative of human life. The work’s ordered, compact form evokes both the fragility and mundane aspects of existence but is also evidence of the care and love that can surround it. 

Six winners were also announced in the Open categories:

· Aboriginal Artist Prize: Craig Tangye (St Clair) for The Hawkesbury

· Environmental Art Prize: Ro Murray for Harvest

· Local Artist Prize: Peter Carney (Mount Druitt) for Death Instinct

· Youth Artist Prize: Edgar Schilter for Buenos Aires, No. 23

· Blacktown Workers Club Prize: Mehwish Iqbal (Merrylands) for Maha

· Young Painter Prize: Liam Ambrose for Tabourie 2010 (Josh)

Now in its 18th year, the Blacktown City Art Prize has grown in popularity and reputation to become one of the most popular art prizes in Western Sydney. The prize is recognised as a key exhibition in the development of outstanding local and emerging artistic talent.

The Blacktown City Art Prize will be exhibited from Friday 6 December to Thursday 23 January 2014 at Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Rd Blacktown. Admission is free.

The prize giving isn’t over! Visitors can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award throughout the exhibition.