Dubbo-based artist humbled after winning prestigious award

Mr Harris was awarded the $3000 prize for his intricate black and white acrylic on canvas, Kangaroo Dreaming, chosen by judge Kent Buchanan who said it stood out as a particularly strong piece among the 250 Hanging Art entries.

Winner of the $3000 Print Storm Photography Prize was Sydney photographer Philip Johnson from Newport Beach, and Ian Jones of Gundaroo won the $3000 Ceramics Prize.

Winning the Pro Hart Prize was especially meaningful for Eddy Harris, who was mentored by Pro Hart in his home town of Wilcannia in the early days of his painting career.

“As an Aboriginal, it’s very important to me to be able to share my culture with others through my art; to receive this kind of acknowledgement means a lot,” Mr Harris said.

“It was also really good to see other Aboriginal artists recognised this year. Hopefully it will encourage a lot more in the future.”

Art Unlimited attracted works from artists across Australia, with almost 400 entries submitted in the competition’s three categories of Hanging Art, Photography and Ceramics.

Another Dubbo artist, Maria Oates, won the Fairview ArtSpace prize of $500 and the opportunity for an exhibition at the Mudgee gallery.

Judges for Art Unlimited 2012 were Curator of Western Plains Cultural Centre, Kent Buchanan; award-winning Dubbo photographer, Peter Aland; acclaimed Cowra ceramicist, Greg Daly; Director of Fairview ArtSpace, Helen Harwood; Orana Arts Regional Arts Development Officer, Alicia Leggett; and Outback Arts Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer, Mary Kennedy.

Established by Dunedoo Lions Club in 2008, Art Unlimited has become one of regional Australia’s leading art events and offers $11,500 in prizes.