PLEASE NOTE: The opening event for this exhibition has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

Grafton Regional Gallery’s major art award and touring initiative, the JADA: Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award, will open at the USC Art Gallery at 6.30pm on Thursday 30 March.

The JADA was established in 1988 and is held every two years as the flagship art prize of Grafton Regional Gallery. With a $30,000 first prize and further acquisitions to the value of $10,000, it is one of Australia’s richest drawing awards.

The 2016 JADA was judged by eminent Australian artist and Grafton Regional Gallery patron Ken Done.

Mr Done awarded the $30,000 acquisitive prize to Melbourne-based artist Adam Cusack for his work, In plain sight, stating that he was impressed by its combination of technical skill and concept.
 
Grafton Regional Gallery Director Jude McBean said the JADA had allowed Grafton Regional Gallery to build a remarkable collection of contemporary Australian drawing that exemplifies the developments and changing parameters of contemporary drawing since 1988.

USC Art Gallery Manager Megan Williams encouraged Sunshine Coast residents to view the exhibition that celebrates the vitality of drawing in Australia.

“It is a treat to see the work of established artists, such as Noel McKenna and Jennifer Mills, alongside the work of emerging artists,” she said. “A work by well-known Sunshine Coast artist Veronica Cay also features in the exhibition.

“What is striking about the exhibition is the diversity in the artists’ approach to materials. One finalist has made a work from neon lighting and another is a video piece. We hope this will generate some good discussion about what drawing is or can be.”

The exhibition will be officially opened by Caloundra Regional Gallery Curator Hamish Sawyer and will continue until Saturday 6 May. USC Art Gallery will also host free public events associated with this exhibition.

They include: a lecture at 6.30pm on Wednesday 12 April by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts Director Dr Jonathan McBurnie about the continued vitality of traditional drawing technique in the face of digital advancement; and a conversation between 2016 JADA winner Adam Cusack and gallery manager Megan Williams on Wednesday 3 May at 6.30pm.

The gallery is located at the University campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs. It is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays and public holidays.

— Terry Walsh