Deb is a Villiers Trust Outback Art Prize finalist

Narrabri artist Deb Michell-Smith has been announced this month as a finalist in the 2024 John Villiers Trust Outback Art Prize with her painting ‘Queensland Big Blue Sky’.

The exciting news arrived via email last Monday.

The John Villiers Trust Outback Art Prize is a prestigious contemporary art prize set in Winton, the heart of Outback Queensland. It gives artists an opportunity to tell their story of the outback and be eligible for prizes up to $10,000.

For the twelfth year, the John Villiers Trust Outback Art Prize has invited artists from all over Australia to use their talents to tell the story of the uniqueness of country landscapes and communities through painting, drawing, print and sculpture.

The art prize was open for entries until January with finalists announced early February.

It is hosted by the Outback Regional Gallery in the Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton.

Culminating in opening night celebrations, and an exhibition at the Outback Regional Gallery in Winton to be held between March and May, the event draws visitors from far and wide to celebrate the wonders of the outback.

Queensland Big Blue Sky’.

Lea-Anne Bradley, CEO of The John Villiers Trust, said the art prize was both a celebration of the outback, Winton and surrounding areas, and of the talents of adult and youth artists.

“We are delighted to once again see the voices and stories of country communities amplified through the works exhibited thanks to this Art Prize,” Ms Bradley said.

“This is a great opportunity to promote the beauty, strength and experiences of country landscapes and communities through the visual arts.

“It gives adult and youth artists exposure, recognition and development, and an opportunity to sell their exhibited pieces.

“It also provides an important avenue to visually share their experiences of outback Australia.”

With almost 2000 people visiting the exhibition in 2023, and many more viewing the works online, there is no doubt this event attracts interest from across the region.

Winners will be announced in March 2024.

Ms Michell-Smith was delighted with the news.

“I was thrilled to be announced as a finalist.

“I wasn’t expecting to be selected but you don’t know unless you have a go, so it’s wonderful news.”