Art in the Barossa

A little while back the Barossa Regional Gallery challenged artists to create work in a 2d format that celebrated the regions' food and wine culture. They offered  decent prize money for the winner plus the winning design would be used on tea towels to be sold as souvenirs throughout the region. The winner was to be announced at the Opening Night. That was tonight!

There was a good turn out and a really good mix of artwork. There were well known artists like JoJo Spook and Julia Wakefield , a great space for school kids (although they were not entrants) and all manner of artists in between.This one was my favourite kids entry - just love the colours and wonkiness! This artist was just 8 years old.

The curators added a few nice touches to the space with displays of vintage kitchenware and the lovely Barossa Cookery Book that has been in print since 1917. Sales of the book directly benefit the Gallery. After some catching up with lovely artists, a glass of regional wine and a nibble on some of the Barossa's yummy cheese and produce it was time to announce the winner ....

And the winner is ...

Ellen Schlobohm with her amazing papercut!
Yep that is my girl!

I know this is a pretty frightful photo (blame the glass - or maybe the wine ...) but it does give you some idea of the detail of the work. It is cut from a single piece of paper. There is no glue involved. I know, right? In her artist statement about the piece Ellen talked about drawing on the folk art traditions of Germany (this area was a German settlement) and the age old craft of Scherenschnitter to create her piece whilst giving it a contemporary slant. She composed the poem as an invitation to visitors to share the splendours of the Valley. As a young adult who has seen a bit more of the world she has come to appreciate the beauty and unique culture of the place. Cool. Proud Mamma here.

Woo hoo - "winner winner chicken dinner!"