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State Trustees' connected art exhibition is a highly celebrated event open to new and emerging Victorian artists with a disability or an experience of mental illness.
When the connected exhibition first began in 2003, 22 artists were featured. Since then, the exhibition has steadily grown with the connected11 art exhibition featuring over 140 works selected from 610 entries including paintings, photographs, ceramics, 3D work, animation and poetry.
For the artists, the connected art exhibition is a professional forum to present contemporary artwork. The pieces are chosen on their artistic merits – not on the artist’s personal circumstances. This exhibition gives the artists the opportunity to display, and market their works. Many of the artists exhibiting have been inspired to pursue their talent further and have been recognised at exhibitions and awards nationally and internationally.
The exhibition also provides members of the public with the rare opportunity to purchase original grassroots art pieces at a reasonable price, reassured in the knowledge that 100% of the profits go to the artist.
connected11 art exhibition
connected11 art exhibition was held 12 - 21 August at No Vacancy Gallery, QV Building in the Melbourne CBD. More than 1000 people visited the No Vacancy Gallery to view 143 artworks from new and emerging Victorian artists with a disability or experience of a mental illness.
This year's exhibition focused closely on it's original purpose of providing an opportunity to truly new and emerging artists – those who have had little or no experience exhibiting or selling their artwork. For 37% of the artists it was the first time they had professionally exhibited their work.
This year 40% of the artworks that were available for purchase were sold, with a further 16 artworks commissioned by visitors to the exhibition.
The Treasurer presented art supplies vouchers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for the Exhibition.
This year’s first prize of $750 went to Hugh Berry for his artwork “Landscape”. Second prize of $500 went to Andrew Blackmore for “Blue Horse” and third prize of $250 to Rahki James for “Cats”. The annual Allan Merigan’s People’s Choice Award was awarded to Ying Chi for her artwork “Picturesque Collection”.
An important focus of the connected art exhibition is to strengthen ties between people with a disability or an experience of a mental illness with the broader community. connected11 art exhibition has certainly achieved this.
Feedback from visitors of connected11 art exhibition:
‘Inspiring and entertaining and provocative all at the same time.’
‘Such inspirational and personal pieces of artwork and experience. I hope every one sells as they’re all worthy of recognition. Absolutely amazing!’
‘Great for these artists to be recognised for their talent. Keep up the good work.’
‘Just beautiful – I love every picture. Also beautifully presented – an honour to be selected!’
‘Great exhibition – thank you for bringing such fantastic pieces together – so varied!’
Register your interest now for 2012.
connected10
connected10 was held at Melbourne Central, La Trobe Street, Melbourne.
At the opening on Friday 13th August, the Treasurer presented art supplies vouchers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for the Exhibition. First prize of $750 was awarded to Adam Knapper for his artwork "The Soul Against Death and All Terror". Second prize of $550 was awarded to Carl Harris for his artwork "Me 2" and third prize of $250 was awarded to Michael Minniti for his artwork "Dinner Tables".
The annual Allan Merigan ‘People’s Choice’ award was awarded to Sarah Boyadijian for her piece 'Baker.'
Over 3,700 people viewed the exhibition at Melbourne Central, and 215 artworks were selected for the display from the 456 entries.
Congratulations to the winners of connected10:
1: 1st Prize – Adam Knapper, The Soul Against Death and All Terror
2: 2nd Prize – Carl Harris, Me 2
3: 3rd Prize – Michael Minniti, Dinner Tables
4: Alan Merigan People’s Choice Award – Sarah Boyadijian, Baker
State Trustees' connected10 was proudly supported by Melbourne Central
