Cowra Local Takes Out Lachlan Valley Biennial Art Award

IMAGE: LVBAA 2023 winner Isobel Harnden of Cowra with her work ‘Ruby’.

Cowra’s Isabel Harnden has taken out the win in this year’s Lachlan Valley Biennial Art Award with her oil painting ‘Ruby In Red’.

The competition, which is hosted every two years by the Cowra Art Group, features entries from artists that live within a 100km radius of Cowra, with the works exhibited for one month at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery.

Ms Harnden’s winning entry was a painting of her cousin Ruby, which she said was based on a photograph taken of her cousin.

“It took around 3 months to complete,” she said.

“I’m really proud to be announced as the winner.”

Her entry was one of 73 in this year’s competition, and she also had a second entry titled ‘Bloom’.

The Highly Commended award was awarded to Orange’s Amanda Holman for her acrylic painting ‘Hillside Near Cowra Japanese Gardens’.

Cowra Art Group President Martina Lindsay said the event provided a great opportunity for local artists to get their work on display.

“All works of art are also for sale, and all funds from sales go directly to the artist that created the work,” she said.

“There are very few opportunities for local artists to have their work displayed and this is one of them.”

“All applications are welcomed, and we do not censor them.”

Ms Lindsay said there were a wide variety of entries on the competition this year, which was held face to face for the first time since 2019.

“We had watercolours, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics and oils… from emerging artists to well established artists… aged from 24 years old,” she said.

She thanked all sponsors of the event, including Club Cowra, SWM Chartered Accountants, Cowra Bowling Club, Webster Optometrist, Beecher Wool Services, Phill’s Paine and Blinds, Cowra Council, Cowra Regional Art Gallery and Create NSW.

She gave a special thanks to the WB & ME Weir Trust, who are the largest sponsor and have been a long-term supporter of the event.

Club Cowra Operations Manager Marc McLeish said his club was proud to support the event again this year.