The main prizes for PBEAT2023 were judged by Anne Flanagan, Director, Bundanon Trust. The prizes were presented by Liesl Tesch – Member for Gosford. The event included a smoking ceremony by Tim Selwyn from Girri Girra and a Welcome to Country by Guringai elder Aunty Tracey Howie.
The 2023 winner of PBEAT Award of $3000 for the best installation goes to Kasia Niedzielak, an emerging artist from Umina Beach for ‘Where the Seeds Were Born’. Anne said “Kasia’s work comprises multiple elements eloquently sited in Little Pleasance grove. ... It is a playful work, beautifully crafted, an ephemeral piece that enriches and animates your arboretum visit.” There were two Highly Commended Awards of $1000 each. Georgina Galea for her tender work titled ‘Falling’; and local sculptor Jonathan Grose assisted by Hannah and Asher for ‘Bowerbird Blues’ which is an interactive work which encourages you to step inside. There were also 3 Commendations: to ‘Bird Play’ by Penny Simmons and Hobart Hughes and to Jojo Fuller for ‘We did it with the Best Intentions’.
The People's Choice Award went to Andrew Alter for the ‘Elephant in the Room’. It alludes to an obvious problem or situation that we don’t want to talk about. Andrew is involved with Wildlife SOS and his ephemeral elephant points directly to the dislocation of animal habitats.
For the first time this year there was a prize for younger artists under 16. There was no overall winner in this category but 3 commendations of $75 each to three talented young artists to acknowledge their thoughtful, engaging, well resolved works. To Jessie aged 12 for ‘The Bee is Life’, to Eve aged 11 for ‘The Catastrophe’ and to Skye aged 10 for ‘The Coral Garden’. The PBEAT inaugural School Award of $250 went to Year 9 Art students from St Joseph’s Catholic School for ‘Wilderness Warriors’.
