I Feel Alive and Can’t Complain wins major prize for artist who grew up as an ‘army brat’

Artist Hollie McKenzie won $2000 for Best in Show for her piece I Feel Alive and Can’t Complain, pictured with John Walker from Casino RSM Club who sponsored the prize.

Susanna Freymark

The winners were announced at the Coraki Art Prize Gala Night at the Coraki Youth Hall yesterday, Saturday, October 26.

Organiser Tanya Alderman said there were more than 100 youth entries.

Best in Show went to Hollie McKenzie from Whian Whian for her artwork I Feel Alive but Can’t Complain. She won $2000 sponsored by Casino RSM Club.

The painting is of her daughter and the army helmet comes from Hollie’s childhood as an “army brat”.

“My dad was in the army and I went to 18 different schools,” she said.

Organiser Tanya Alderman announces the winners.

The Painting Prize sponsored by Richmond Valley Council went to Brenda Bryant from Tyalgum for her piece Tranquility in the Rainforest. She wins $1000.

Mayor Robert Mustow, artist Brenda Bryant, Annie Alderman and Tanya Alderman.

Ms Alderman made a special Highly Commended for Ailda Beek’s Boy. Ailda Beek is 104 years old and her son Dr Jurriaan Beek accepted the congratulations on behalf of his mother.

Dr Beek with Tanya Alderman in the afternoon before the Gala Night. Photo: Contributed

View the exhibition today, Sunday, October 27 at 10am—3pm.

At Coraki Youth Hall, Bridge Street, Coraki.

Below are photos from the Gala Night.

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