Peterkin portrait prize draws them in

video Sharon Shostak

Thirty-eight children from 31 schools around the north coast were grinners yesterday after they were announced winners in the 17th annual Les Peterkin Portrait Prize.

The Tweed River Art Gallery in Murwillumbah was packed with friends and family of just some of the more than 3000 entrants.

Fittingly, ‘friends and family’ was this year’s theme for the celebration of the  artistic talent of local primary school students.

Primary school students sketched, collaged and painted group portraits depicting their classmates, friends, grandparents, pets and parents.

It was big thrill for many of the youngsters who won awards or were commended to see their works on the walls of the gallery. 
The prize is one of the gallery’s most popular exhibitions and this year attracted a record number of entries and participating schools.

It is named after former Tyalgum artist, potter and art teacher Les Peterkin, who attended yesterday’s ceremony.

The prize exhibition is on show at the gallery until November 24.

First place winners for the three age categories are: Suri Phan (5-7 years), (8-10 years) Ebony Anderson, both from St Finbarr’s Primary School, Byron Bay; and Sophie Cottrill (11-13 years), from Teven-Tintenbar Public School.