Giant sculptures and 500 artworks thrill Bentley Art Prize crowds

*Elena Churilova won in four categories – she is standing in front her painting* Shipyard that won the Richmond Valley Council Acquisition Prize.

Susanna Freymark

Brisbane artist Elena Churilova had no idea where Bentley was. She punched the location into her GPS and drove three hours to Bentley Hall.

She was worried she was going to be late and miss the announcement of the winners.

Luckily, she made it in time to win four major categories scooping $4350 in prize money.

Elena is from Russia and has been painting all her life. She is comfortable with watercolours, pastels and oils.

“Painting is a way to save your sanity,” she said.

“It makes life bearable.”

*Who Said Pigs Can’t Fly* *by Elena Churilova.*

Her style is diverse from the quirky Who Said Pigs Can’t Fly to the warm colours and tone of her painting Shipyard.

“There will always be things in life out of control. Allow yourself to fail,” Elena said.

Judge Harry Westera is an artist from Maclean. He had the difficult task of choosing the winners and placegetters across 14 categories and 500 entries. All works were judged anonymously.

The first thing he did was wander Bentley Hall and get an overview to see which artworks stand out.

“I need to bear in mind the different styles, sizing and media,” Harry said.

He asks questions of the work – is it interesting? Is it a good use of colour? Does it look fresh rather than overworked? Was the person really into what they were painting?

*BAP’s* *Ted Hoddinott, judge Harry Westera, artist Elena Churilova and Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow.*

Harry talked about a kid who drew two grasshoppers.

“You could see they were in the moment,” he said.

Ted Hoddinott is one of the organisers on the new Bentley Art Prize committee.

For decades Helen Trustum ran the BAP, this was the first year taking a step back and taking on a consulting role, she said.

Ted was thrilled with the transition to a new team.

“It looks like The Louvre in there,” he said.

Ted was referring to the new displays brought together by Gordon Serone and CTR.

Outside the hall, were gigantic sculptures by Rock Valley sculptor Glen Star. The gigantic horse and dog were on display only, they were not part of the judging.