2024 Morawa Art Awards & Exhibition

2024 Morawa Art Awards Winners Announced - Media Release

The winners of the 9th Biennial Morawa Art Awards were proudly announced during the Exhibition Opening on Friday, 9th August, in front of an enthusiastic audience of 100 guests.

This year, the Shire of Morawa Acquisitive Award, the event's most prestigious accolade, was awarded to Soosie Jobson for her stunning work, ‘Wheatbelt’. Selected from over 450 artworks, the piece captivated the panel of judges, earning Jobson the top prize of $7,500. The artwork will now join the Shire of Morawa’s Art Collection, where it will be preserved and admired for years to come.

The exhibition, one of the largest and most diverse showcases of visual art in regional Western Australia, features the work of 250 emerging and professional artists from across the state. The display highlights the vibrant and eclectic art scene celebrated in Western Australia , drawing attention to both seasoned and up-and-coming talent.

Shire of Morawa President Cr Karen Chappel AM praised the exhibition, stating, "The Morawa Art Awards and Exhibition are a true testament to the incredible talent in our region. We are deeply proud to host this outstanding local art and cultural initiative. I extend our congratulations to the award winners and sincere thanks to all participants. This event not only supports rural artists but also attracts visitors to the Mid West, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and enhancing our community.

The 2024 Morawa Art Awards saw winners share in $20,000 of prize money. Among the prizes, $500 has been set aside for the ‘People’s Choice – Local Resident’ Award, which will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition. This award, voted on by exhibition visitors, highlights the works of Morawa artists and photographers, giving the community a direct voice in recognising local talent.

The Shire of Morawa extends its gratitude to the event sponsors, Qube Logistics and Karara Mining Limited. The event also received support from The Tropiano Family, who were present to award the Tony Tropiano Photography Award and the Tropiano Family Emerging Photographer Award. Ms Merome Beard MLA, Member for North West Central, represented the Hon. Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack, and presented the sponsored awards for Best Young and Youth Artist. The event was further honoured by the presence of the Hon. Shane Love MLA, Leader of The Nationals WA.

The exhibition is open to the general public by gold coin donation at the Morawa Town Hall from 10am to 2pm daily until Sunday, 18th August. This is an unmissable opportunity to experience the diversity of artistic expression flourishing in Western Australia.

Congratulations to these winners and highly commended works:

Shire of Morawa Acquisitive Award

WINNER: Soosie Jobson, Wheatbelt-Ends-

Young Art Winners (5-12 yrs old)

JOINT WINNER: Evelyn Haydon, The Family of Cats in a Sunset

JOINT WINNER: Lincoln Coaker, Wonky Town

Youth Art Winner (13- 17yrs old)

Highly Commended: Denby Smith, Harvest

WINNER: Elizzabeth English, Celebrating Bald Beauty

Tropiano Family Emerging Photographer Award:

Highly Commended: Kaden Michael, Whitewash

Highly Commended: Josie Morris, Rolling Storm

WINNER: Audrey Egan, Coming Home

Tony Tropiano Photography Award

Highly Commended: Bev King, Salty

Highly Commended: Ellie Morris, Harvest Lines

Highly Commended: Clinton Price, Capture a Scene

WINNER: Vaughan Jenkins, Malleescape

Best Work on Canvas

Highly Commended: Evelyn Sturges, The Never-ending Shed

Highly Commended: Annie Williams, Ladies of the Land

WINNER : Mecah White, The Old Treasury

Best Work on Paper

Highly Commended: Judy Rogers, Reflection

Highly Commended: Elmari Steyn, Home in the Woods

WINNER: Michelle Farmer, Mr Kooka

Best Three-Dimensional Piece

Highly Commended: Corey Offszanka, Steam Angler

WINNER: Naomi Antenucci, Technically Me

Best Mixed Media

Highly Commended: William Upchurch, Backyard Bobtails

WINNER: Narelle Higson, Shelter

Mid West Indigenous Art Award

Highly Commended: Nicole Dickerson, After the Rain

WINNER: Colleen Drage, My Water

Media Enquiries can be directed to ea@morawa.wa.gov.au

The artwork featured in the 2024 promotional material is the 2022 Shire of Morawa Acquisitive Award-winning entry ‘Lakeside Arboretum I’ by artist Elmari Steyn.

Thank you to these key partners of the 2024 Morawa Art Awards & Exhibition: