The winners of one of the Central Coast’s most prestigious art awards have been announced at a formal ceremony at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery.

Now 50 years after its inception in 1970, the Gosford Art Prize attracts entrants from all over Australia drawn by both its reputation in the art world, and the chance to compete for a $25,000 prize pool.

Taking out the top prize this year was Jocelyn Maughan with her work ‘Ken in Grisaille’, oil on paper (Patonga) which received excellent reviews from the judging panel. David van Nunern for Riversdale Nocturne was awarded second place, while Asahi So took out the ceramic’s category.

One of the highlights for 2019 was the inclusion of an Aboriginal Art Award for the first time, thanks to the generosity of Safework NSW who sponsored the award. The inaugural winner of this category was Joshua Muir with his work ‘DATO’ a digital print on aluminium. 

Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery Team Leader, Tim Braham, was delighted that the Gosford Art Prize is not only attracting artists from across Australia but also supports local talent.

“This year we received 532 entries and the judges faced the difficult task of whittling it down to 153 number of finalists,” Mr Braham said.

“Pleasingly, 70 percent of the total entries came from Central Coast artists. There was also a noticeable changing-of-the guard in entries this year, with the award drawing the highest number of first-time entries (197) we have ever seen which is inspirational.

“Artists are continuing to explore different mediums and test themselves with 135 oil paintings, 87 acrylic paintings and 18 watercolour paintings submitted among others this year, which is testament to the high calibre competition Gosford Art Prize has become.

“We congratulate our 2019 winners and finalists, and thank all our artists who entered this year’s competition for their work, creativity and dedication to Australian arts and culture – the variety and high level of entries we received was outstanding.”

A selection of entries will be included in the Gosford Art Prize exhibition to be held at Gosford Regional Gallery from 14 September to 3 November 2019, with the public encouraged to come along and vote for their favourite to win the People’s Choice Award.

Mayor Jane Smith said it was an honour to present these highly competitive prizes which have such strong recognition within the arts community.

“The Gosford Art Prize, Ceramic Prize and now the Aboriginal Art Prize offers local artists the opportunity to let their work stand on its own and to be judged and appreciated on a national stage in friendly competition with Australia’s most talented artists,” Mayor Smith said.

“Art plays an important role in our lives, in our personal development, in bringing people together and in showcasing the talents of our community.”

2019 Gosford Art Prize Winners:
Gosford Art Prize
Jocelyn Maughan, Ken in Grisaille, oil on paper

Gosford Art Prize 2nd Prize
David van Nunen, Riversdale Nocturne, oil on linen

Highly Commended
Christine Druitt-Preston, There could be fairies in this garden – Gulgamree, Mudgee 2018, lino block on Wenzhou paper Ed. 5 (editioned by Brenda Tye)

Highly Commended
Claire Tozer, Sea, ink and watercolour pencil on paper

Commended
Philip Meatchem, The Pseudo Mind Hive, acrylic on canvas
Katerina Apale, Maria, oil on canvas

Aboriginal Art Prize
Joshua Muir, DATO, Digital print on aluminium

Ceramics Prize Winner
Asahi So, Cocoon Bottle Cluster, blended stoneware clay, copper wire, iron wire

Ceramics Prize Highly Commended
Connie Keith, Homage to my Heritage, ceramic

Ceramics Prize Commended
Kit Fong Wong, Simplicity, porcelain, resin