The best Squeeze is the artwork of Karen Massingham on exhibition at Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Karen Massingham’s mixed media artwork, Denunciation, is the winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Squeeze 2011 exhibition.
Ms Massingham, an art teacher from Beerwah State High School said it was a lovely surprise to receive recognition for her work.
“As a senior visual art teacher of 25 years, I have little time for my personal artistic pursuits and limited avenues for public exhibition,” Ms Massingham said.
“I really appreciate the continued support of the Sunshine Coast Council in hosting the biennial Squeeze exhibition.
“I always receive friendly assistance and coordination from the Caloundra Regional Gallery Curator, Education Officer and the Friends of the Caloundra Gallery.
“I’m grateful for the sponsorship of Oxlades Art Supplies and am looking forward to stocking up on the special art supplies that I previously have only dreamt about.”
Squeeze encourages art educators to step out of their classrooms and into their studios to expand their arts practice.
The exhibition includes a range of works from 34 local art educators from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and challenges them to explore fresh ideas in their work.
Squeeze is a biennial event that celebrates art education and art educators on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting their work completed in the last two years.
Ms Massingham, the winning artist, will receive a $500 Oxlades Art Supplies gift voucher.
Library and Gallery Services Manager, Ross Duncan said that the People’s Choice Award is a great way for visitors to highlight the artwork that appeals to them.
“Gallery visitors have had three weeks to place their vote,” Mr Duncan said.
“Many visitors to the gallery over the school holidays were students from local education institutions interested in viewing the work of their art teachers.”
A lucky gallery visitor and voter in the Peoples Choice Award will win a $50 Oxlades Art Supplies gift pack.
The Squeeze exhibition is showing until 23 October 2011, contact Caloundra Regional Gallery for more details on 5420 8299.