Art News

Treasures Revealed

Clovass artist Fran Tomlin has won the 5th annual Award for Regional Treasure at Lismore Regional Gallery for her portrait of newspaper editor and thespian Russell Eldridge.

Tomlin who is no stranger to portrait awards, impressed judge Stephen Killick with her bold brushwork. Fran said she was inspired to paint the Northern Star editor because he was also a remarkable actor.

"His artistic contributions to the community, not withstanding his day job, are legendary," Fran said.

Fran won $1,000 as outright winner of the award.

Judge Stephen Killick said he was impressed by the diversity of subjects in the exhibition.

"There were images right through from farmers to doctors. The winning portrait stood out because of the authority of the brushwork. There was nothing tentative about this fine picture," he said.

Included in this years Art Prize are tributes to charity workers, community volunteers, doctors, surgeons, actors, journalists, organic farmers, great recyclers, artists and assorted local identities.

Highly Commended was awarded to Lismore artist Damien Cox for his beautifully detailed portrait of a local environmentalist, who is known simply as Floresta.

The Regional Treasure exhibition continues at Lismore Regional Gallery until Saturday, September 27.

And whether you agree with the judge or not, you can vote for your favourite work in the Northern Rivers Echo People's Choice Award.

The $1000 People's Choice Award will be presented to the winning artist on September 27.