Therese Schier
The winner of the Cassino Gallery Watercolour exhibition is Dellene Strong – an artist who lives amongst the Tuckombil rainforest. Dellene is a also a cancer survivor.
She won first prize for her painting of a female satin bowerbird.
“Painting was a therapy during my cancer treatment,” Dellene said.
“You realise you need to concentrate and immerse yourself in nature and painting. I can see the rainforest outside my kitchen window.”
A retired school teacher, Dellene said she never had time to paint when she was working and is now enjoying time for painting and even teaching art.
“I used to be a teacher who dabbled in art – now I’m an artist who dabbles in teaching.”
Judge Harry Westera praised Dellene’s technique in creating paintings with a diverse, creative texture.
“It was special to have the judge speak about mine and other artists’ paintings. I feel proud and grateful,” Dellene said.
Harry chose Casino student Bella MacMahon’s painting of an apple core as the winner of the student prize.
Gallery president Maree Beek said the student prize is the first time the gallery has had a special section for school students.
“We encourage school students to enter all our exhibitions,” she said.
The final exhibition of the year at Cassino Gallery is Small is Beautiful – an exhibition she thinks will be of interest to school students of all ages.
Maree thanked the Casino RSM Club for their $1000 sponsorship of the Watercolour exhibition.
Here are the prize winners:
$2000 First prize, Dellene Strong
$1000 Second prize, Pam Birrell
$750 Third prize, David Sparkes
$250 Student prize, Bella MacMahon
Watercolour exhibition opening dates:
Thurs, Friday, Saturday, 10am–3pm until October 18 at Cassino Gallery, Barker Street (at the river end)