Talented artists from around the country have been recognised in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize.

Winners were announced at the Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition opening on Friday 23 September.

The popular competition received 566 entries submitted by over 420 artists, with over 70 percent of artists from the Central Coast.

Team Leader at Gosford Regional Gallery, Tim Braham, said the receipt of artworks for the annual competition is both a frantic and thrilling time for the Gallery.

“The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize is a genuine demonstration of a wealth of talent, skill and artistic diversity in our community,” said Mr Braham.

“In total, 141 works were selected for the final exhibition. It is particularly gratifying to note that more than 56 percent of these finalists were also from the Central Coast.

“Over the last 17 years the Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize has grown considerably in reputation and prestige. Today it enjoys widespread recognition as a significant national art prize, with artists from across Australia competing in a prize pool of $24,000.

“This year we invited the judging panel to select all finalists for exhibition, as well category winners. Their careful regard for style, content and technique has given the exhibition fresh perspective and insight. I sincerely thank them for their time and considered deliberations.

“We would also like to congratulate all entrants for their work, creativity and dedication. This exhibition is a true celebration of our region’s talent and commitment to the visual arts.”

Guest judges for this year’s competition included: Kim Spooner, Lecturer at the National Art School and previous winner of the Portia Geach Award; Alan Jones, a painter and winner of numerous Art Prizes including the Mosman Art Prize, and Paul Davis, a well-respected ceramic artist and educator.

The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize will be on exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery until Sunday 4 December 2016. A series of free artist talks will be held every Saturday at 2pm for the duration of the exhibition.

Central Coast Council congratulates all artists chosen as finalists in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize, and the deserving winners.

The 2016 winners:

• Winner Gosford Art Prize, $15,000:Bronwyn Van De Graaff, Cactus
• Second Prize, $5,000: Geoff Harvey, North Lismore View from my House
• Highly Commended, $1,000: Rew Hanks, The Captain and his Bunnies
• Highly Commended, $1,000: Mark Middleton, Manganvi Trail
• Winner Gosford Ceramic Prize, $2,000: Clodagh Blackburn, Space Rocks

This year’s competition was made possible through the support of the following sponsors: Central Coast Council, Lendlease, Booth’s Motor Group, Lemon Tree Picture Framing, Keane Ceramics, Eckersley’s Art Supplies and the Central Coast Potters Society.