A local Biloela student was honoured at last night's Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards.
Jacinta Bennett from Redeemer Lutheran College in Biloela topped the Years 11 and 12 category with her artwork, titled Never Giving up my Childhood Creativity.
Art and Design Awards reviewer Pete Whittred said Jacinta's piece was thoughtful and joyous.
"The piece is playful, colourful and joyous, with a number of elements that are difficult to handle," Pete said.
"It's a well-constructed work that instantly communicates the theme and draws the viewer in," he said.
Congratulations must also be given to Eleni Edowomwan, a student at St Joseph's Primary School in Biloela, who received a Highly Commended Award in the Prep – Year 2 category for her entry.
The annual Art Awards were established in 1994 to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.
At last night's presentation, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane, Awardees' artworks were displayed in an exhibition and recipients were presented with certificates and a cash prize.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the reviewers were wowed by the quality of the over 600 submissions across all age groups in response to the 2024 theme of 'Growing Up'.
"The reviewers commented on the high standard of entries and the varied and creative interpretations that entrants brought to this year's theme," Mr Burke said.
"Our union established the Awards to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.
"Art is a very important area of learning in schools, and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff in the Queensland and Northern Territory non-government sector," he said.