PARTICIPANTS in the 2022 IBIS Rising Art competition have been congratulated for their work, after the winners were announced at an event on Friday 13 May.

The Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery once again hosted the annual competition, which attracts works from all age groups and sectors of the community.

Gallery secretary Lesley Cook said that although the opening of the competition was quieter than in previous years, those who attended were impressed with the range of work.

“It was a quieter opening than in the past, but that being said, it was a really nice night,” she said.

“The first prize winner of the 2D art contest was so surprised because she won it last year and had only been painting for a few years I believe. Two different judges, and both really enjoyed his work.”

The Mayor of Naracoorte Lucindale Council, Erika Vickery, attended the event and presented the main prizes to the participants.

Samuel Ramsden won first place in the category through fourth grade, with his play Untitled.

High congratulations were bestowed upon; Matilda Lush for Star Struck Beach, Alexis Flint for The Clearing and Azmet for The Amazing Soccer Field.

For years five through six, first place went to Emma Kay for her play The Cliff on the Beach.

Other participants who received praise for their work were; Nate Marshall for The Center Rider, Chandler for Bunny on the Moon, Ebbonnie Morrison for Untitled.

Bree Porter won the high school category with her work Sad Rusty Sundays.

High congratulations were bestowed upon; Jeremiah Pearce for Van Gogh Sunflowers, Jackson Oster for Lino Printing and Misia Panuncio for A Vase of Red Poppie.

In the adult categories, Angela McLachlan won the Mixed Media competition for her play Booknook.

Highly Commended was awarded to Jo Fife for Earth Fire Water, Kaye Beauchamp for Rust.

In the Clay, Wood, Iron, Stone category, Mick Dennis won first place for his work War Canoe.

Highly Commended went to Bruce Willmer for Candle Holder.

In the photography section of the IBIS Rising Art Competition, Janet Haebich won first prize from Bendigo Community Bank Penola for Blue Banded Bee.

High Commended was awarded to; Janet Haebich for Time to Cut the Grass, Deb Kloeden for Mondo Psycho, Diana Vine for Misty Morning Mullinger Swamp, Tony Lees for Burra, Tony Lees for Katie, Vanessa Mikutta for Meerkat Lookout, Vanessa Mikutta for Highland Cow.

The 2022 IBIS Rising 2D Mary Bainger Award went to Leone Bunney for Autumn Sunset.

Highly Commended went to Gayle Newcombe for Spectator; Alison Rowe for Millie and Anne Emerson for Coming Home.

Ms Cook thanked all the volunteers and sponsors who helped organize the contest.

“I really have to thank all the volunteers. They are just amazing. Without them we wouldn’t have an art gallery,” she said.

“We have sponsors from Bendigo Community Bank Penola who gave the prize to the photography group. The Cultural Trust donated a prize.

“I have to thank Wild Game Wine who donated their wine for the evening. It was very kind of them, it was delicious and award winning.

“Without the community, not only would we not have a gallery, but we would also not have an IBIS contest.”