Local talent on display at 2025 Art Awards and Exhibition

Worthy-Collins’ eco-print on paper Kitchen Scraps #4 emerged as the winner of the $8,000 Major Acquisitive Award from a competitive field of more than 150 shortlisted artworks.

Produced using domestic waste, esteemed judges Erin Coates, Maxxi Minaxi May and Ross Potter said Kitchen Scraps #4 cleverly entwined concept, technique and creative outcome.

“Deborah’s intriguing eco-print is embedded with a consciousness of human impact on our planet,” the judges said.

“Subtle tonal variations, texture and shape unify the organic abstract composition, which reframes discarded everyday materials as elements within her art-making process.

“The artist’s sensitive response to the theme is evident and her depth of enquiry is to be commended.”

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said he was pleased to see a local artist secure the top prize at the prestigious biennial event.

“We put a lot of energy and resources into supporting local artists and investing in the arts within the City of Stirling,” Mayor Irwin said.

“Not only did Deborah Worthy-Collins claim the top spot for Wembley Downs, but more than a third of the 158 shortlisted artworks were from City of Stirling residents.

“These results are a testament to the creative talent in our community and the local impact of our efforts in this space and we’re excited to add new works from local artists to our collection.”

As the Major Acquisitive Award winner, Kitchen Scraps #4 has been acquired to join the City’s extensive art collection alongside four other pieces:

• Nazila Jahangir’s oil on canvas Immigration – Shellhouse (Third Prize)
• Yokine artist Vanessa Wallace’s mixed media, drypoint and digital print Bunny Tree: 04: 12: 2023: 857am (Highly Commended)
• Scarborough artist Claire Thomas’ glass piece Contacious – Scarborough
• Carine artist Wendy Ferrier’s acrylic on canvas Little Forest Carine.

Second Prize was awarded to Brett Leigh Dicks’ striking photograph Birds & Cooling Tower, Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Elma, Washington.

City of Stirling Councillors selected Osborne Park resident Natalie Eastwell’s pastel on paper artwork Banksia Prionotes as the Rotary Club of Karrinyup Local Artist Award winner.

Apricity by Lisa Findling won the Oxlades Young Artist Award to round out the major awards.

Other Highly Commended works included:

• Ric Burkitt’s acrylic and oil on linen The Day After
• Shelley Cowper’s mixed media Market Forces
• Soosie Jobson’s textile Pindan Spinifex.

The 2025 Art Awards and Exhibition is open to the public from 10.00am to 4.00pm until Sunday 9 November at the City’s Reception Hall at 25 Cedric Street, Stirling.

Visitors can nominate an artwork for the Westfield People’s Choice Award and go in the draw to win a $100 Westfield voucher.

The exhibition’s program of free public events includes an Artist Floor Talk by 2025 Major Acquisitive Award winner Deborah Worthy-Collins from 2.00pm – 3.00pm on Sunday 9 November.

Learn more and register for events at www.stirling.wa.gov.au/artawards