Port Stephens Community Arts Centre’s ‘Art Prize 2025’ open to the public Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 7, 2025 Event organiser Nada O’Loughlin-Yonge. A NEW gallery exhibition with over 350 artworks is about to open at Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. Works cover the themes of painting, mixed media, miniatures, photography and earth and fibre. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Entries have been received from far and wide to add to the contributions of local artists. Following the Official Opening on Friday 14 March, the exhibition will be open 10am to 4pm until 22. March, and will close at 1pm on Sunday 23 March. The garden café will be open on Saturday 15 March and Sunday 16 March, serving tea, coffee, scones and light snacks. Many local businesses have sponsored the exhibition. Nada O’Loughlin-Yonge, event co-ordinator, said, “This is a major fundraising enterprise for our centre, and the support of these businesses has enabled us to offer a prize pool of over $12,000.” “Judging of the categories for Painting, Mixed Media, Port Stephens Council Residents, and Miniatures will be done by Gillean Shaw, Art Curator for the University of Newcastle Galleries. “Anne Kempton of Timeless Textiles Gallery in Newcastle will judge the Earth and Fibre category, and Roger Skinner, an acclaimed photographer from Muswellbrook, will judge the Photography category. “Judges will select those they consider most worthy of awards, and visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work. “The winner of the People’s Choice award will receive $250, generously donated by Nelson Bay Bowling Club.” Other sponsors are Nelson Bay Real Estate, Port Stephens Council, Love Oil, Curtis and Blair Real Estate, Kate Washington MP, Meryl Swanson MP, Nicki and Nigel Waters, Port Stephens Rentals, Salamander Bay Rotary Club, The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, Platinum Dental, Lion Studios, Better Photography Magazine, Len’s Journal, Salamander Village Florist, Bunnings, and Woolworths. All exhibition works will be available for purchase, along with the regular hand-made arts and crafts in the gallery rooms. Port Stephens Community Arts Centre is located in Cultural Close, off Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay. By Simon EKINS Some of the artworks that were on display in the 2023 exhibition.
