Pyrmont Art Prize

The finale to the Pyrmont Festival of Food, Wine and Art will take place on May 15 on the picturesque waterfront of Pirrama Park.

Central to the event is the 5th annual Pyrmont Art Prize. With over 300 pieces of art by Mudgee and Sydney artists ranging from the age of two years old to those in their senior years, the exhibition will undoubtedly be one of passion and innovation.

An abundance of gourmet food and over 120 samples from 30 different Mudgee winemakers will be on offer to sample on the day.

Lesley Dimmick, the curator for the Pyrmont Art Prize, expressed her excitement for the festival.

“There will be a diverse range of works for all to see,” she said. “It is the visitor’s local picture onto Sydney City and the harbour. I have sincerely enjoyed examining all the works as I receive them before the event.  The works will warm the hearts of all those who attend and because everyone has to paint on the same canvas, it makes looking at each piece just that little bit more interesting.”

The theme for the exhibition is ‘small is beautiful’.

All of the art pieces are created on duplicate twelve by twelve inch canvases.

This theme was chosen by Ms Dimmick to suit the outdoor setting for the exhibition.

The works will hang from identical screens that will suggest a stream of colours and forms throughout the iconic park.

The use of mediums used is up to the artists. This means that the exhibition will feature a wide range of photography, drawing, painting, mixed media and even sculpture attached to the canvases.

“What is great about the Pyrmont Art Prize is the fact that the works are up for sale,” Ms Dimmick said. “Visitors can find beautiful pieces that are easily affordable ranging from fifty dollars to twelve hundred dollars. I am even going to try and buy something myself.”

The works will be judged by a panel of experts and winners on the day have the opportunity to win over $10, 000 worth of prizes.

To complement the feel of the entire festival there will be a range of entertainers hosted by ABC Sunday Today presenter Whitney Fitzsimmons.

“It’s going to be a fabulous day of entertainment. Everyone will sip wine and listen to jazz,” Ms Dimmick said. “If you ask me I think wine and art are the perfect combination for a wonderful day.”

By Holly De Boer