Artists capture town’s personalities

Hedland artists immortalised the town’s personalities in paint, sculpture and photography portraits last weekend as they exhibited 54 HARTZibald entries at the Matt Dann Theatre.

Run by the Hedland Arts Council (HARTZ), the HARTZibald is a local version of the famous Archibald Prize, except it is only open to Hedland artists creating a portrait of a fellow resident.

With colourful entries portraying prominent locals, such as Kelly Howlett and Joan Foley, guest judges, Mining and Pastoral MP Stephen Dawson and FORM’s regional programs co-ordinator Katie Evans, lamented there was only three prizes to hand out.

The duo unanimously awarded Janelle Cockayne’s photo of Mick Lanagan, called Sandfire Mick, the adult prize and Gemima Rahman the youth prize for her painting of Mackayla Denney, called Somewhere Out There.

Ash Jeeloll collected the people’s choice for his portrayal of Heike Stock, titled In the Moment.

Jeeloll said Ms Stock had helped him turn his life around and that he had tried to capture her warmth of character in his work.

“Heike is an amazing beautiful friend and person,” he said.

“She is already a winning piece in real life, she is an asset to the community and to me.”

Jeeloll’s comments along with the fact that Hedland secondary students created 30 of the 54 entries highlighted how the HARTZibalds helped bring the community together.

HARTZibald organiser Michelle Siciliano and Mr Dawson said it had added to Hedland’s vibrancy and cultural life.

“Many of Hedland’s personalities are reflected in the artwork tonight and it is so nice to see,” Mr Dawson said.

Amateur artist Tracie Fleay said the many HARTZibald entries gaver her confidence to enter her own work next time.

“The more (HARTZ) exhibitions I come to ... I realise everybody has different styles,” she said.

“It shows ... everything is good and everybody’s artwork is unique.”

HARTZ member Sangita Daniel said the competition’s best pieces were worthy of the Pilbara’s prestigious Hedland and Cossack art awards.

“We have some spectacular pieces,” she said.

Commended artists included Zabia Chmielewski and Bronwyn Cordwell in the adult category and Ella Hinch in the youth section.