Kendal Gear Wins People’s Choice

Kendal Gear Wins People's Choice

Perth artist Kendal Gear has been announced as the winner of the People’s Choice Award in the 2018 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize at Lismore Regional Gallery.

Gear’s self-portrait was voted by Gallery visitors as the favourite in a tightly contested list. On being named winner, Gear said, ‘It was great to be part of the exhibition and it’s so exciting and encouraging to receive this award, and prize money of $1,000. It’s come at a really good time for me.’

Director of Lismore Regional Gallery, Brett Adlington congratulated the winner, saying, ‘For us, the Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize is a chance to support a broad range of artists, emerging and established; local and national. We also see this award as a chance for the community to engage with a whole range of artistic styles, and the People’s Choice Award is a chance to acknowledge this. Kendal’s work is exquisite in its detail and craftsmanship – and obviously resonated with our audiences.’

Brett Adlington also thanked the prize sponsors, Hurford Hardwood and Chandlers Betta Home Living, Lismore. ‘To have the support of local business really means so much for us, and helps us support artists in the early stages of their careers.’

Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, Dr Michael Brand, previously named Nicole Kelly as the Winner of the Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize with her work, Jumaadi + Clouds + Rain, which now enters Lismore Regional Gallery’s permanent collection.

The Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize will next be held towards the end of 2020.