Portrait prize far from stitched up

As Hedland artists continue to paint, draw and sculpt portraits of their fellow residents for the HARTZibald competition, one artist has stitched together a new approach.

Sharon Groch is embroidering a portrait of her husband, which Hedland Arts Council (HARTZ) member Sangeeta Daniel said was not only an exact likeness, but stunningly creative.

“For his beard, she has figured out a way to twist the thread strands to create texture,” she said.

“I am stunned ... by how creative an idea this is and how it looks just like (her husband).”

“I can hardly wait to see what else people come up with, the talent and creativity of Hedlanders never ceases to amaze me.”

The HARTZibalds are the community art group’s take on the famous Archibald Prize, and Ms Daniel said artists had plenty of time to complete their entries.

If artists were registered by Tuesday, April 19, they were not required to submit their artworks until April 28, the day before the HARTZibald exhibition.

Those attending the April 29 exhibition from 6pm at the Matt Dann Theatre have the chance to not only view the artworks and find out the competition winners, but also attend a screening of the 2015 British comedy movie Lady in the Van.