THE Coffs Coast Art Prize 2020 exhibition is officially open to the public at Coffs Central and the Art Factory in Orlando Street.

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The exhibition opening night was held on Friday, 18 September at Coffs Central, with many people vying for entry into the Covid-safe opening.

A total of 36 visitors were allowed into the exhibition space at a time for a ten minute viewing of the exhibits on display.

Due to an overwhelming response to the competition from local artists, it was impossible for organisers to install all of the 170 plus artworks entered within the space at Coffs Central, therefore further exhibition space is being utilised to house more than 30 exhibition entries in the Art Factory in Orlando Street.

Coffs Harbour Art Council president Ann Leonard said organisers had been delighted by the response and talent in the local community, with submissions from 110 artists submitting in excess of 170 works.

“We were overwhelmed in a good way,” Ann said.

“We were determined to honour their enthusiasm and ensure that each artist’s work was on the wall.”

Coffs Harbour Arts Council, along with sponsors, has been able to offer $3,800 in prizemoney across three selected awards, and there is also the very popular People’s Choice Award.

Coffs Coast Art Prize Major Award winner was Jane Wilson for her work titled ‘Pensive’, Coffs Coast Art Prize Sculpture Award winner was John Van Der Kolk for his sculpture titled ‘Leviathan’, and winner of the Coffs Coast Art Prize Youth Art Award was Arlia Portus Keen for her artwork titled ‘Woman’.

The three successful Award winners were announced on the exhibition’s opening night.

Ann said the exhibition was a must see.

“There is something for everyone and much to excite and delight; this diverse offering includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, digitally enhanced photographic images, and illuminated light boxes,” she said.

Locals and visitors to the area are encouraged to visit the exhibition located on Level Two of Coffs Central and at the Art Factory at 2/151 Orlando Street.

Artworks can be viewed at Coffs Central from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 2pm on Sundays, and at the Art Factory from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

The exhibition will run throughout the school holiday period until 17 October.

By Emma DARBIN