Arboretum Art Trail Winners & More

PBEAT2025 Prize Winners

The Opening of PBEAT2025 was held on Sunday 23 March at 1pm with a special Harmony Day music and dance event. The prize money was generously sponsored by Belle Property Central Coast and Dylan Norman from Belle Property handed out the prize certificates.

First Prize Joanne Mott for "Drop Inns"

Highly Commended Andrew Alter for "A Stretch of the Imagination"

Highly Commended Vanessa Drinkwater for "Colour Your World".

School Prize to Terrigal Higg Stage 5 Visual Arts for "Ephemeral Embrace".

Under 16 Highly Commended to Freya Gillet for "Hidden Beauty"

Under 16 Highly Commended to Eve Bodley for "Balls in the Air"

Under 16 Highly Commended to Skye Neate for "Drop Bears are Real".

First Prize received by Joanne Mott with judge Anne Flanagan and Dylan Norman of Belle Property

Highly Commended recipients Andrew Alter and Vanessa Drinkwater with Anne Flanagan and Dylan Norman

Highly Commeded under 16 certificate handed out to Freya Gillet by Dylan Norman of Belle Property

InRhythm Drumming performing at the PBEAT2025 Opening

KepuKepu Gamelan Band performs at the PBEAT2025 Opening

MC Time Selwyn of Girri Girra with PBEAT2025 judge Anne Flanagan

Soprano Michaele Archer performs at the PBEAT2025 Opening

Malathi Nagajan and Andrew Alter perform Indian fusion music.

First Prize $3000 to Joanne Mott for “Drop Inns” - A site-responsive art installation inspired by the Pearl Beach Arboretum ecosystem. Three droplet-shaped sculptures, woven from yucca leaves and clay, are suspended from a tree branch and serve dual purposes: aesthetic artworks and experimental habitats for the threatened species. These sculptures highlight the urgency of addressing habitat loss for native wildlife, bridging contemporary art with environmental problem-solving. The sculptures are designed to support pygmy possum nesting in size and shape.

Highly Commended $1,000 to Andrew Alter for "A Stretch of the Imagination" - Charismatic megafauna steal the limelight at the expense of a broader ecological world! At the same time they draw attention to, and symbolize, the magnificence of nature. Paperbark mâché and palm fronds allow us to imagine a giraffe in Pearl Beach.

Highly Commended $1,000 to vanessa Drinkwater for "Colour Your World" - This work has been inspired by the leaf litter found in the Arboretum, the interactive nature of outdoor installations and the opportunity to bring colour and fun to your day!

School Prize $500 to the School to Terrigal High Stage 5 Visual Arts for Ephemeral Embrace" - These pods, woven from organic materials have been crafted to mimic the delicate yet resilient forms of natural nests. Each piece evokes a sense of sanctuary, drawing attention to the balance and symbiosis that exist within ecosystems. The pods invite contemplation on sustainability, nature’s rhythm, and the vital need for ecological harmony.

Highly Commended under 16 to Freya Gillet for "Hidden Beauty" $250 + $250 to Umina Beach Public School - We share our world with so many amazing creatures, many of whom go unnoticed, camouflaged or hidden so well in the bush. The world’s insect population is declining but they are so important for the world’s ecosystems. Hidden beauty looks to draw attention to the often overlooked tiny creatures we share the world with and show how beautiful they can sometimes be. It focuses on a very stunning specimen, the Emperor Gum Moth.

Highly Commended under 16 to Skye Neate for "Drop Bears are Real" $250 + $250 to Norwest Christian College - Koalas are endangered in Queensland, NSW, and the ACT. Pearl Beach and the surrounding Brisbane Water National Park had a koala population until about 22 years ago. Saving the Koala is an important issue for those who love Pearl Beach. I am taking a humorous approach to this issue by highlighting the myth of Drop Bears, a predatory marsupial often used to scare tourists.

Highly Commended under 16 to Skye Neate for "Balls in the Air" $250 + $250 to Pennant Hills High School - ‘Balls in the air’ seeks to show the balance of life in 2025 where so many competing things take our attention. This is showcased against the backdrop of nature – a place often thought of as representing relaxation and peace, that similarly has strong competition at its foundation.

PBEAT2025 continues until Sunday 27 April including People's Choice Voting

A wonderful day is to be had meandering through the Arboretum finding Harmony through Nature. Pick up a Catalogue ($5 donation requested) and vote for your favourite installation before 5pm Saturday 26 April 2025. Contribute to the Nature Nurtures community Artwork.

PBEAT2025 Artist in Residence and Local Emerging Artist

The inaugral PBEAT Artist in Residence Fiona Gavino; and Local Emerging Artist  Anna Francesca Seymour have been made possible by the Central Coast Council's Creative Art Central Program. Both Artists will have their outstanding site responsive works installed by Saturday 29 March in time for Opera in the Arboretum, and the works will remain on display until Sunday 27 April. All works in PBEAT2025 are for sale by contacting the Artist directly or via contact@pearlbeacharboretum.org.au.

Adult Painting Class in the Arboretum with Marijke Greenway Sunday 13 April 2025 9am

Marijke Greenway is a well known Pearl Beach Artist with 40 years experince and many solo and group exhibitions under her belt. Marijke will lead a 3 hour adult painting workshop (maximum 20 people) in the Aboretum. Canvas and acrylic paints provided, but feel free to bring your own materials. Limited places! Get tickets HERE.

Pearl Beach Art Fair Easter Saturday

Save the Date! The Pearl Beach Artists will run an Art Fair in the Arbroetum on Easter Saturday 19 April 2025, 10am to 4pm. After a visit to the Pearl Beach Book Fair and refreshments in the Pearl Beach Hall, make your way to the Arboretum to sample the wonderful art, jewelry and craft produced in Pearl Beach. At the same time you can purchase lunch from the Two Turkeys a the Arboretum Cottage Cafe and view PBEAT2025!