The prestigious 2024 Bentley Art Prize was held over the weekend, with over 500 artworks on display in 14 categories, and over $13,000 in the prize pool. 

There was music, stalls, good food and frivolity at the event, which was well attended - over 1000 people came through on the weekend, alone.

One talented lady, Elena Churilova, is the recipient of four out of the six major awards ($4,350 worth of prizes). The other awards went to Joseph Belford ($1000) and Tim Roberts ($1000).  

(Elena Churilova’s “Shipyard” sold for $1000)

Gordon Serone, the Bentley Art Prize Coordinator, was very pleased with the range of works and the talent displayed. 

“There was only one judge, Harry Westera, and he was not aware of the artist's names while judging. There was some disappointment that the prizes were not spread further. Next year that will most likely change," Gordon said.

The winner of the High School Prize was Peri Hynes, 17, with her eye-catching-painting, Stationary. Peri tried a new medium - oils which was still drying when it was hung. Peri is from Tyalgum and it is the first time she has entered this competition.  

“It’s very exciting and an unexpected surprise. I feel like I am a valued part of a community that I didn’t even know existed! It’s a really lovely feeling.”

(Gordon Serone, Peri Hynes and her artwork. Stationary, is a picture of her sister on a trip to Sydney last year)

Peri’s artwork will go into her uni portfolio, or perhaps her HSC body of work if she needs it. “This painting has already got good credit!”

Other areas of the art prize included sculpture, mixed medium, photography, crafts and special sections for children.

(Some fun with mixed media - Friend of Bungabee by Chris Clark)

Many of the artworks were available to purchase. Prices ranged from $45 to $2,900 (not including school children's work)

The prizes were from a wide range of sponsors across Lismore, Casino and Kyogle.

Nev Lawlor's painting "Three Greys" won the people's hearts in the Popular Choice Award.

The Major prize winners are:

• Richmond Valley Council Acquisition Prize - Shipyard by Elena Churilova
• Australian Landscape - Who Said Pigs Can’t Fly by Elena Churilova
• Portrait Drawing Prize - What the Future has in Store by Elena Churilova
• Library Acquisition Prize - Spring by Elena Churilova

(Spring sold for $400)

Casino RSM Club Acquisition Prize - Fallen Trees by Joseph Bedford

(Fallen Trees by Joseph Belford sold for $950)

In and Around Bentley Prize - Rambaldini’s Bridge Naughtons Gap by Tim Roberts

(Tim Roberts, Rambaldini's Bridge, Naughtons Gap sold for $650)

Other winners include:

• Sculpture Prize - Visitation Relics by Dennis Hopkins

(Woman and her Womb by Terri Nicholson was awarded a H'ghly Commended)

• Craft Prize - Fairy Home Light by Victoria Lynn

(Victoria Lynn's, Fairy Home Lights)

• Primary Section - Colour Creation by Erica Brookes
• High School Years 10–12 - Stationary by Peri Hynes
• High School Years 7–9 - Daydream by Lacey Pohle
• Under 6 - The Living School