Celebrating its 20th year, The Doyles Art Award and Exhibition is poised to spark creativity across the Gold Coast with a series of art activities planned both leading up to and during the week-long event.
Against the backdrop of Mudgeeraba's historic buildings, a selection of operators will deliver art workshops, some of which are free, tailored for beginners and advanced creatives.
Event Director Sam Sinner says as a significant component of The Doyles Art Award and Exhibition, there are many workshops to choose from before and during the exhibition.
"The Doyles involves more than the exhibition and award, there are so many community events on offer, including creative rock painting, life drawing, macramé workshops and more," says Ms Sinner.
"For a full list of our events, simply visit our website or checkout out our Facebook page, where everyone can easily access the exciting line up of activities, some are free, and others require bookings and a fee."
The Gold Coast Urban Sketchers will be hosting a free sketching session of the Mudgeeraba's Village Green on Saturday 29 June between 9.00am and 1.00pm with a selection of materials available for newcomers interested in the worldwide phenomenon of urban sketching.
Artable are running three watercolour technique workshops at the Old Post Office, which will be delivered by highly experienced tutor Belinda Suzette.
Artable founder and teacher Gillian Grove says the classes provide a platform to enhance the artistic atmosphere and encourage collaboration and networking among artists and the community.
"We have focused on a couple of introductory workshops ideal for those who wish to explore their creativity in a fun and relaxed setting," says Ms Grove.
"We want participants to not only enjoy the art but also engage in the creative process, whether through visiting The Doyles exhibition or joining in on one of the artistic events."
In addition to the Artable workshops, other events will include a feather mandala workshop, a d'Arcy Doyle inspired 'paint and sip' at the Whisky lounge, Life Drawing at the Wallaby Hotel, a First Nations dot painting, a macrame plant hanger workshop and a Sketch Theatre.
Named after famous Australian artist d'Arcy William Doyle, the prestigious award is the Gold Coast's longest running painting prize and carries a prize pool of $30,000 across its three competition categories – Landscape, Figurative and Still Life and Juniors. There is also a non-judged All Ability Category.
With the exhibition running from 27 June to 7 July, Ms Sinner says over 300 artworks are expected to be on display come opening night.
"The Doyles Art Award offers a unique opportunity for artists residing in Australia to showcase their work, gain recognition for their talent and engage with a broader audience," says Ms Sinner.
"The organising team behind the event has established an outstanding reputation for promoting new and emerging artists and last year we delivered over $70,000 back into the arts community through prizes and sales.
"Winners have found it to be a valuable stepping stone in their careers, with several artists being represented in galleries as a result of their exposure through The Doyles.
"Visiting the exhibition is not only a chance to appreciate the incredible creativity on display, but also a unique opportunity to support artists and bring home a piece of art that holds personal meaning and beauty."
Originally established in 2004 by dedicated volunteers, The Doyles Art Award will be held in Firth Park Community Centre, Somerset Drive in Mudgeeraba and runs from 27 June to 7 July 2024.
The judging panel will include HOTA Director of Gallery and Visual Arts Susi Muddiman OAM, Director of SWELL Sculpture Festival Natasha Edwards and professional artist Hobie Porter.
The Doyles Art Award is supported by arts and culture focused sponsors which have been instrumental in the longevity of the award and the increase in prize money including Bond University, Attwood Marshall Lawyers, SkyRidge Living, Left Bank Art Group, Wings Real Estate, A Gentle Touch Funerals, The Hive Art Gallery, Friends of the Arts Foundation, Roberts Law, Canson Australia, Gold Coast Innovation Hub and HW Litigation.
