Pictured above: Adam McLeod (President), Emmy Van Nimwegen (Webmaster), Mandy Taylor (Treasurer), Rob Parsons (Vice President), Janice Orchard (Secretary).
The Greatest Prize in Town is hanging up its boots.
We sadly announce that The KernArt Prize is now hanging up it’s boots.
The KernArt Prize Art Show began in 2016 and has celebrated 6 art shows over 7 years, providing a space for local artists of all abilities to share and show their work.
In 7 years, The KernArt Prize has awarded more than $13,000 in prizes to our artists, and has donated more than $24,000 in proceeds to Bass Coast Health and the Kernot CFA. With a focus on supporting families impacted by mental health, The KernArt Prize has sought to increase community connection and creativity, two factors shown to be pivotal protective factors against the impact of mental ill health.
We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our committee members; Past committee members include Paul and Julie Johnston (inaugural committee members until 2019), and current committee members; Adam McLeod (Chairman), Rob Parsons (Vice-Chair), Janice Orchard (Secretary), Mandy Taylor (Treasurer) and Emmy Van Nimwegen (Webmaster). We would also like to acknowledge the huge number of volunteers assisting our opening night events over the years! With special thanks to Anne Duncan and the Wilkinson, Taylor and McLeod families.
Most importantly, we would like to acknowledge the amazing support from our sponsors over the years. The show could not have been possible without you. Your generosity, and willingness to donate even through hard times has been appreciated. The amazing support from our local businesses has been the foundation of The KernArt Prize and we thank you.
In conclusion this is our final donation of $6,500 which we have already presented to Bass Coast Health supporting families impacted by mental health and we thank you so much for your contribution.
More about KernART
The KernArt Prize leaves a legacy; the new lighting established in the Kernot Community Hall will shine for years to come.
In January 2021, The KernArt Prize facilitated an online pastel workshop co-facilitated by a prominent artist and Clinical Psychologist promoting mental health, supporting our communities impacted by the 2020 bushfires, and promoting psychological recovery.
In 2021, The KernArt Prize was able to donate funds to Kernot CFA to purchase additional mobile spotlighting, a practical and needed donation to acknowledge the efforts of our CFA volunteers.
Temporarily paused in 2020, in 2021 The KernArt Prize went online, connecting through art even while communities were isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We returned to live exhibitions once again in 2022 and the community came together again to celebrate and embrace the enjoyment of great art.
But sadly, now the time has come to hang up the boots as our committee move on to other ventures.Thank you for all you have done in supporting us. It has been an honour to hold the KernArt Prize, the Biggest Little Show in Town, which gave so much to our community.
