Moreton Bay Region Outdoor Gallery - 2023 winners

As part of the Moreton Bay Region Art Prize for 2023, artists were invited to enter their works to be part of the Outdoor Gallery. The artworks of the six finalists will be displayed on banners at various locations across the Moreton Bay Region from 22 May to 26 June 2023. Congratulations to the following artists for having their works selected:

Seeking the common thread

Mel Brady, 2023

Artist statementSeeking the common thread' relates to how I engage with people and experiences. Each element is symbolic of a moment, a feeling, a desire to eke the most joy out of life. The Moreton region is a vibrant and diverse source of constant inspiration.

Judge's note: A bold and bright work that has a clear impact against the environment for the Outdoor Gallery - a strong correlation between the artwork depiction and concept.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • Centenary Lakes, Morayfield Road, Caboolture | View map
  • Ruth Whitfield Memorial Park, Anzac Avenue, Kallangur  | View map

Shelter in the Trees 1

Helen Evans, 2023

Artist statement: In the Trees is the counter series to Sticks and Stones. I looked up into the canopy of the eucalypt whilst drawing in my garden. The buds, gum nuts and leaves created elegant negative space with the soaring blue sky.

Judge's note: A delicate and considered technical application that gives a sense of the grandeur of the natural landscape that can be echoed on the Outdoor Gallery banner.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • Samford Road, Samford Village, Samford | View map
  • Leis Park, Gympie Rd, Lawnton | View map

Pollinator Paradise

Michele Furlong-Olsen, 2023

Artist statement: Celebrating floral diversity in our own gardens, this artwork depicts the beautiful colours and shapes of native flora in our region. “A Field Guide to Native Plants of Bribie Island” inspired me to include some lesser-known native plants we have living amongst us if we choose to look.

Judge's note: A playful and bright response to the Region’s landscapes - bold colouring and subject matter will resonate well in community environments.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • First Avenue (opposite Cypress Avenue), Woorim | View map
  • Corner of Anzac Avenue and Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe | View map

Wall-to-wall

Blair Garland, 2023

Artist statement: Wall-to-wall is an image referencing 1970s linoleum. This pattern resonates with me as I have an emotional memory attached to the design.  As a Support Worker I have spent many hours in homes in the region. Lino is a popular flooring. It is cheap, durable and fun with colourful patterns.

Judge's note: Excellent graphic quality that will translate well to the Outdoor Gallery Banner platform, with a wonderful simplicity in the reflection of place for audiences in the region.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • Deception Bay Road (near John Naumann Hall), Deception Bay | View map
  • Cash’s Crossing, 670 South Pine Road, Albany Creek | View map

We met at Pride

Shan Michaels, 2023

Artist statement: My excitement for Moreton Bay’s first Pride Festival turned sentimental as I remembered the day I met my wife. 15 years ago we both volunteered for the wristbanding table at Brisbane Pride Festival. The rest is history, as they say. We met at Pride is part of a body of work called Think and you miss it, created while in residence at Caboolture Hub. This textile piece was made from repurposed pillowcases, sheets and clothing. The colours are inspired by the progressive pride flag. It was machine pieced and hand quilted.

Judge's note: Unique technical approach through quilting that shares intimacy of queer histories in a joyous and celebratory manner with the community.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • CREEC, 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary | View map
  • Light Horse Memorial Park, Mango Hill | View map

Wetlands

Marisa Young, 2023

Artist statement: The artwork strives to show the viewer the relationship between the fragile and resilient qualities of the wetland biome. Using a variety of watery paints, collage and crayons, I sought to capture this sense of peace and discord.

Judge's note: Great sense of moment and reflection of the transient nature of the wetland biomes, with an interesting collage technique that translates dynamically to the banner format.

Outdoor Gallery locations

  • Leslie Patrick Park, Dawson Parade, Arana Hills | View map
  • 101 Station Road, Burpengary | View map