On 25 January, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) General Manager, Trent Scherer, formally announced the winners of the QAL People’s Choice Awards as part of the 49th annual Rio Tinto Yarwun & QAL Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards (MHMAA), hosted at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum (GRAGM).
The QAL People’s Choice Awards invites the public to vote for their personal number one artworks during the exhibit across the following categories: Easel Works, Works on Paper, Three Dimensional and Fibre Works, and Digital Works.
The top scoring 2024 QAL People’s Choice Award artworks are:
- SECTION 1: Easel Works – Connie Rossi Rainforest Goddess
- SECTION 2: Works on Paper – Anonymous THANK YOU
- SECTION 3: Three Dimensions & Fibre Works – Daniel O’Hanlon Yurumpi Honey Ant by Gunga
- SECTION 4: Digital Works – Samantha Tro This is Our Land
Each winner received a $500 cash prize and an award certificate. One lucky voter also won a $1,000 travel gift voucher, redeemable at Helloworld Travel Gladstone.
QAL General Manager, Trent Scherer, thanked those who took the time to vote for their favourite artworks this year and congratulated all winners.
“Art exhibitions like the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards are about connecting our community through expression and incredible skill,” said Mr Scherer.
“QAL is proud to help promote these connections through our long-standing partnership with GRAGM, ensuring we can continue celebrating our region’s history, culture and diversity for future generations.”
QAL has supported the GRAGM to deliver the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards since the exhibition commenced 49 years ago, introducing the People’s Choice Awards component in 2014.
“The QAL People’s Choice Awards provides an opportunity for local residents to vote for their favourite artwork and highlight a community perspective across the different categories,” said Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett.
“I would like to thank QAL, Rio Tinto Yarwun and all sponsors who make the Martin Hanson Art Awards possible every year and congratulate the winners of the QAL People’s Choice Awards.”
Visit the GRAGM website for updates on more community events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Mayor Burnett and Mr Scherer announced the winners earlier this month.
Pictured: Easel Works – Connie Rossi Rainforest Goddess
Pictured: Works on Paper – Anonymous THANK YOU
Pictured: Three Dimensions & Fibre Works – Daniel O’Hanlon Yurumpi Honey Ant by Gunga
Pictured: Digital Works – Samantha Tro This is Our Land