Toowoomba student takes top prize in Art Awards

Independent Education Union Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT

A local Toowoomba student was honoured at last night’s Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards.

Chelsea Black from The Glennie School in Toowoomba topped the Years 9 and 10 category with her artwork, titled Girl with Cigarette.

Art and Design Awards reviewer Julie Seidel said Jasper’s piece was powerful and well done.

“The symbolism is direct and raw, giving voice to the experience of growing up with a sense of deep contemplation,” Julie said.

“The use of delicate marks and effectively modulated tone communicates a message of authenticity,” she said.

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 non-government sector,” he said.

/Public Release.