Last month, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) Acting General Manager, Trent Scherer announced the winners of the QAL People’s Choice Awards as part of the 48th annual Rio Tinto & QAL Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards, hosted at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum (GRAGM).
The QAL People’s Choice Awards allow members of the public to vote for their standout artwork in each of four categories; Easel Works, Works on Paper, Three Dimensional and Fibre Works, and Digital Works.
Taking out top spot across each category for 2023 were:
- SECTION 1: Easel Works – Ella Matheson Handle with Care
- SECTION 2: Works on Paper – Caral Adams Johnny
- SECTION 3: Three Dimensions & Fibre Works – Andrea Farrow Thorn
- SECTION 4: Digital Works – Melanie Wu Breathe
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 Acting General Manager Trent Scherer thanked those who took the time to vote for their favourite artworks this year and congratulated all winners.
“Art exhibitions such as the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards promotes social conversations and public engagement that fosters a sense of community connection,” said Mr Scherer.
“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership, which supports the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum and celebrates our region’s history, culture and diversity,” he said.
QAL has supported the GRAGM to deliver the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards since the exhibition commenced 48 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,” Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said.
“I would like to thank QAL, Rio Tinto and all sponsors who make the Martin Hanson Art Awards possible every year and congratulate the winner of the QAL People’s Choice Awards.”
Visit the GRAGM website for updates on more community events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Easel Works – Ella Matheson Handle with Care
Works on Paper – Caral Adams Johnny
Three Dimensions & Fibre Works – Andrea Farrow Thorn
Digital Works – Melanie Wu Breathe
