More than 100 works feature in the $2000 Balco Balaklava Art Prize
Balaklava’s former courthouse has seen a lot over the years – but these days, it’s verdicts on art, not crimes. Since its transformation into the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery in 1991, the space has become a much-loved part of the local arts scene. Run by a volunteer committee, the gallery hosts exhibitions, a gift shop, and regular showings of work by South Australian artists and craftspeople. And during events like this, it’s a full display of the talent tucked away in regional SA.
The Balco Balaklava Art Prize, part of this year’s SALA Festival, has once again taken over the space, bringing with it a tonne of talent – from seasoned pros to school kids still finding their style.
With more than 100 works from across the state filling the gallery this year, the Balco Art Prize remains one of the region’s biggest annual exhibitions, being the kind of show where you never quite know what you’ll find, but you’ll always walk away with a favourite.
This year’s top prize went to Peterborough’s Haley O’Shea for Anchored Wreck – a moody maritime watercolour. Pete Wooldridge earned a double gong, winning both the Wakefield Regional Council Art Prize and the 3D/Sculpture category for works titled The Three Graces. Wendy Pfeiffer also scored dual honours, with Etty Shaw awarded Most Outstanding Portrait and Athena receiving a merit in the watercolour category.
The Hangers Prize – chosen by the gallery volunteers who spent hours carefully placing each work – went to Balaklava’s Amanda Lockwood for her colour-filled piece Cheerful Chickens, which has already won over more than a few visitors.
Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Award is still up for grabs. Voting’s open until the exhibition closes on September 7, so there’s still time to make your way to Balaklava, take a wander through the gallery, and cast your vote.
Balaklava Courthouse Gallery
Where: 6 Edith Tce, Balaklava
Open: Wednesday to Friday, 10am – 4pm
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm – 4pm
