Broken Hill's 2015 Outback Open Art Prize winner will be announced tonight 24 July

Art Scene

The winner of the annual “Outback Open Art Prize” will be announced tonight at the Broken HillRegional Art Gallery (BHRAG). The event has come to be known as the highlight of the cultural calendar in Broken Hill.

There are 43 finalists this year. Finalists were selected from nearly 200 entries. The finalist's works will be exhibited at the BHRAG. The prestigious acquisitive first prize is valued at $15,000.

This year's judge is John Cheeseman, director of the Mosman Art Gallery.

The exhibition opens tonight 24 July 2015 at 6.00 pm at –

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880, Australia

Exhibition dates - 24 July - 6 September 2015.

Janine Mackintosh 'Droughts and Flooding Rains' 2011

Winner 2011 Outback Open Art Prize

Acacia Pycnantha (Golden Wattle), twigs, linen thread,

and bookbinders gum on canvas © Image courtesy the artist

Opening hours are 10 am – 5 pm weekdays and 11 am - 4 pm weekends.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

The second prize is non-acquisitive $2,500, and there is also an $800 encouragement prize awarded.

Total prize pool $18,300.

The judge will look for works that reflect the spirit and diversity of the Australian outback.

The prize is once again proudly sponsored by Mrs Raylee J Hart.

Good luck to the finalists and do try and get along to the exhibition. I am sure it will be well worth it. The gallery alone is worth a visit, it houses a wonderful permanent collection.

Cheers, Jane Deany