Belinda Brooks – Sewing our Own Story

Kiama’s inaugural Mardi Gras Regional Art Prize has been a great success, with 30 entries from artists throughout NSW, as well as Queensland, WA and Victoria.

Celebrating the life of Kiama’s Orry Kelly, artists were asked to create work that immortalized a famous expression from his memoir “you should only be ashamed of bein’ ashamed”.

The works of the 19 finalists are going on show in Kiama next week, with a panel of experts choosing the final winner.

“What has emerged is an extraordinarily diverse body of work that celebrates diversity, resilience, empowerment, passion, beauty and determination,” says the competition’s initiator Bruce Ferguson from local events company, Canvas Events.

“I Am What I Am” – Artist Ann Clarke

The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite work too, in a People’s Choice Poll taking place the week of the exhibition.

Details: 15-20 March at the Old Fire Station and the Little Blowhole Cafe Art Bar.  The winner will be announced at an artists party at the Art Bar in Tingira Crescent on Saturday night.