Young Great Southern artists celebrated at opening of 2024 Great Southern Youth Art Award exhibition

Young, burgeoning and aspiring Great Southern artists were celebrated last week at the opening of the 2024 Great Southern Youth Art Award exhibition at the Albany Town Hall.

The GSYAA is in its second year after first being held in 2022 and more than 40 entries were received from across the region as part of this year’s contest.

Winners of the four categories were announced at Friday night’s opening.

Oaklea Weaver, 11, won the under-12 three-dimensional prize for a colourful piece titled Gnomeville which was completed using polymer clay.

The winner of the 12-18 three-dimensional prize was Jordan Proctor, 16, who used skilful welding to create Cocky.

A combination of organic materials and acrylics was used to create the winning piece in the under-12 two-dimensional category, which was won by eight-year-old Aila Michael’s Banksias.

Seventeen-year-old Annabelle Lydeamore’s lino print of Jeanne D’Arc won the 12-18 two-dimensional prize for capturing the strength, belief and courage of the classic tale.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks congratulated those who had entered the award.

“The Great Southern Youth Art Awards celebrate the diverse talent and creativity of our region’s young artists,” he said.

“I am immensely proud to witness the growth and development of our budding artists.

“I encourage our up-and-coming creatives to continue pushing boundaries and exploring their talent.”

The exhibition is open in the Albany Town Hall until April 24, with visitors encouraged to vote in the Popular Choice Award.

The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.