Still Free by Keith and Loretta Sommer, 2013 International Mural Fest Sheffield.
International Mural Fest president Des Brown today announced the nine finalists for the 2014 week-long public art competition.
Mr Brown said this year’s theme, Island Life, attracted a near-record number of entries.
“We were delighted to receive a lot of entries from artists applying for the first time, as well as many who’ve painted in Mural Fest before,” he said.
Given the number of repeat entries, turns out it’s not just the public who love Tasmania’s most unique art competition.
“The artists tell us they like coming back again and again,” Mr Brown said.
“There’s a lot of drawcards for them. They enjoy the fun, festival atmosphere and chatting with the crowds, as well as being spoilt by our dedicated volunteers who tend to feed them all day,” he said.
“And of course, the great prize money.”
Not a surprising drawcard given the sharp hike in prize money last year. And this year offers another hoist; the winner will take home $15,000. Almost double the amount awarded in 2012.
The total award pool for 2014, all of which is contributed by local businesses, stands at an impressive $32,000.
Tasmania and Queensland form the strongest contingent in this year’s contenders. Other states represented are New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, with one international finalist from the USA.
Keith and Loretta Sommer of Shailer Park, Queensland, will return for the third year running. Popular with judges and audiences alike, the couple have never gone home empty handed. In fact, they won two prizes in both years. In 2012, along with being the overall winner, they also won the public vote with the Visitors’ Choice Award. Last year they took home the World of Marbles Highly Commended Award and Slaters Country Store Visitors’ Choice Award for their mural, Still Free.
The 2013 murals will be on display until early April in Mural Park, Sheffield. This year’s International Mural Fest starts Easter Sunday, 20 April. Full details at www.muralfest.com.au.
2014 International Mural Fest artists: Damian Cazaly, VIC; Gren Freeman, Howrah, TAS; Lindsay Gardam, Sheffield, TAS; Fereleth Lee, Sheffield, TAS and Jacqueline LaCava & Tom Powlay, QLD; Kerry Nicholson, QLD; Paul Scott, WA; Patricia Smart & Ollie Grohs, NSW; Keith & Loretta Sommer, QLD; and Eleanor Yates, Iowa, USA.
International Mural Fest president Des Brown
