Young Shirley Hannan.
11 September 2024
SECCA (South East Centre for Contemporary Art) invites budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait to the new 'Sherbies Kids Portrait Prize' by 31 October to be in the running for some great prizes.
Council's Acting Gallery Director, Jasmin Brown said the Sherbies Kids Portrait Prize is a new prize based on Bega Valley Shire's prestigious Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award.
"Shirley's maiden name was Herbert and during her school years, her nickname was Sherbie," Ms Brown explained.
"We have seen a great interest for more young artist opportunities in the Bega Valley and an enthusiasm by the Hannan family in supporting young artists, so it's fitting we have a junior portrait competition in tandem with the professional artist-focused Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award.
"There are four age categories – 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years - and young artists can paint, draw, or used mixed media to make a 2D portrait of a member of their family, a pet, friend, teacher or someone famous who lives up the road. The list is endless really.
"The portraits can be created from memory, a photograph or during a real-life sitting.
"Finalists will be selected for each category and overall winners will be selected by guest judge and member of the Hannan family, Lisa Herbert."
To enter, young artists can download, print and complete an entry form which includes a brief statement on who has been chosen and why.
Entries can be hand delivered to the SECCA front service desk or mailed to: The Sherbies Kids Portrait Prize, South East Centre for Contemporary Art, Zingel Place, Bega NSW 2550.
Winners will be announced at the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award event on 29 November and exhibition of all finalists' artwork will be on display at SECCA from 30 November to 1 February 2025.
Prize packs including art supplies and gift vouchers will be awarded to the winner of each age category.
The Sherbies Kids Portrait Prize is proudly supported by the Hannan Family and coordinated by SECCA. We acknowledge the generous contribution by our prize sponsors, SECCA, Inkwell Arts, Frillneck Frames, Candelo Books, Red Peg Eco Studio and Green Queen in Bega, to the inaugural Sherbies Kids Portrait Prize.
Bega Valley Shire Council's Chief Executive Officer has certified that the attached material is suitable for printing, publishing or distributing on behalf of the organisation in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
