Gallery launches inaugural Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize

Noosa Regional Gallery has launched the Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize.

Established in memory of local arts supporter and gallery volunteer Lyn McCrea, the annual art prize promotes excellence in contemporary Australian drawing.

“The Gallery is excited to be working with Mr John McCrea to honour discerning art collector Lyn, and her passion for drawing, as well as raise drawing’s profile as a stand-alone art form,” says Noosa Regional Gallery Director Nina Shadforth.

The prize is open to all practising Australian contemporary artists and Noosa Regional Gallery is accepting entries in the 2016 art prize until midnight Sunday, 31 January 2016.

The Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize will initially run for five years, offered annually, with a cash prize of $1000 in the first year, to increase by $250 each year after.

Each winning piece will join the McCrea collection, with notable Australian artist Ian Smith appointed judge of the 2016 prize. Smith is a close personal friend of the McCrea family and a highly regarded contemporary artist.

“We are thrilled to have Ian Smith as judge, given he is highly regarded within the Australian arts scene, and among his peers,” Ms Shadforth said.

Smith has been an Archibald finalist eight times. His work has been curated in national and international exhibitions since 1969, and is represented in the collections of major art galleries and corporations both nationally and internationally. Closer to home, Noosa Regional Gallery hosted Smith’s retrospective touring exhibition, On the Road, in 2013.

Ms Shadforth says the Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize is a fitting way to remember a woman who gave so much to Noosa Regional Gallery, and local art.

“Lyn was a valued Noosa Regional Gallery volunteer, a long-standing member of the Friends Noosa Regional Gallery, and a passionate supporter of local artists. She was a strong advocate for arts education and particularly passionate about drawing, which she believed to be fundamental to the art creation process,” Ms Shadforth said.

“Always vibrant and quirky, even cheeky, Lyn was never one to hold her tongue. John’s gesture in establishing the art prize under the auspice of Noosa Regional Gallery is a significant step towards showcasing contemporary drawing in Australia.”

For more information and entry forms, visit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au/art-awards

27 November 2015