The Rockhampton Art Gallery has announced the 25 artists from across Central and Western Queensland selected as finalists for biennial art prize The Bayton Award.

The Bayton Award is an initiative of the Rockhampton Art Gallery Philanthropy Board, Rockhampton Regional Council and is hosted by Rockhampton Art Gallery. Valued at $17,000 of cash and prizes, the award is open to artists living in the Local Government Areas of Rockhampton, Livingstone, Gladstone, Banana, Woorabinda, Central Highlands, Isaac, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Winton, Barcoo, Diamantina and Boulia.

Let’s meet them:

Ainslie McMahon

Andrea Chapman

Anitha Menon

Belinda McGrath

Belynda Waugh

Carmen Beezley-Drake

Catherine Boreham

Christine Holden

Emma Ward

Erin Dunne

Veronika Zeil

William Debois

Yvonne Moloney-Law

Geoffrey Head

Karen Stephens

Maree Purnell

Michele Kershaw

Michelle Black

Nanette Balchin

Nora Hanasay

Peta Lloyd

Rosemary Anderson

Sarah Larsen

Sue Kraatz

The Bayton Award and accompanying exhibition highlights the creativity and variety of visual arts in Central Queensland. Drawing on artwork produced over the last twelve months, the exhibition reveals the shared concerns of artists living in Central Queensland.

Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council's Community Services Committee Councillor Rose Swadling said The Award brings together an exciting and significant exhibition of current art practice from across Central Queensland.

“The Bayton Award is a fantastic vehicle for capturing and showcasing our wealth of regionally residing artistic talent,” said Cr Swadling.

“The works explore a range of art mediums and concepts, but collectively the exhibition shines a light on the practices of artists living and working in Central Queensland. The exhibition is a snapshot of the breadth and diversity of regional visual arts practitioners.”

The exhibition featuring all 25 finalists will be on show at Rockhampton Art Gallery from 22 June 2019 – 4 August 2019..