Griffith Regional Art Gallery will open its doors on Friday 28 October to celebrate 30 years of its flag ship exhibition – the National Contemporary Jewellery Award (NCJA).
The NCJA is a biannual acquisitive prize that showcases the unique and innovative creations of some of the country’s finest contemporary jewellery practitioners.
The National Contemporary Jewellery Collection is the Gallery’s most significant and prestigious collection. The Award was founded in 1992 and sponsored by the Sydney Myer Foundation as an acquisitive biannual award to showcase and develop the collection. Today the competition is sponsored by Griffith City Council, and attracts a growing field of entrants from around Australia representing the cutting edge of contemporary jewellery practice.
Coordinator of Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Ray Wholohan said, “The Gallery is proud to be the custodian of the National Contemporary Jewellery Collection, the only collection of its kind in regional NSW.”
The judges for this year’s event are Dr Rohan Nicol (NCJA Consultant/UTAS), Dr Kirstin Haydon (RMIT) and Bic Tieu (UNSW).
“We’re privileged to have the judges of this calibre for the National Contemporary Jewellery Award. All three have a vast experience and a unique understanding of Australia’s contemporary jewellery practice.” said Mr Wholohan.
The Award will feature 19 finalists selected by the judges from a very strong field of 45 entries. This year’s finalists are Zoe Brand, Ximena Briceno, Susan Buchanan, Melissa Cameron, Elizabeth Curry, Jess Dare, Lisa Furno, Katherine Grocott, Katherine Hubble, Anke Kindle, Nicola Knackstredt, Catherine Large, Josephine Mascaro, Nicole Polentas, Michelle Stewart, Gabbee Stolp, Jacki Stone, Zoe Veness and Melinda Young.
Manager of Griffith Regional Gallery, Margaret Andreazza said, “The National Contemporary Jewellery Award is our signature event and always brings in amazing pieces of innovative object design that pushes the boundaries of contemporary wearable art. The community is invited to enjoy a great night at the Gallery not only celebrating the newest addition to our collection as we announce the 2022 winner, but also celebrating 30 years of contemporary Australian jewellery.”
Patrons can enjoy Dee Vine Estate wines and canapés at the NCJA opening at 6pm Friday 28 October. Tickets are $25 or $10 if you’re a Gallery member, and can be purchase online at www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au or at the Gallery in advance.
The National Contemporary Jewellery Award 2022 will be on exhibition to the general public from Saturday 29 October until Sunday 18 December 2022.
For all enquiries about the please contact Griffith Regional Art Gallery on 6962 8338.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Griffith City Council and is proudly sponsored by Dee Vine Estate.
