An incredible piece of artwork has taken out the major prize in Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) Paint the Port art competition this year, for capturing the spirit of the port.

Christine Ward was awarded the $1,000 acquisitive cash prize for her artwork called ‘Port n’ Park’ collage which features ships, dozers, the East Shores Parklands, Mount Larcom and even the marina.

The high school category award went to Khushi Patel for the ‘Nostalgia’ artwork.

While Talitha Cue’s ‘Textures at East Shores’ won the upper primary school category and Amarni Thetford’s ‘Less is Moor’ was the winner of the lower primary school category.

This year’s competition attracted 139 registrations – a record for Paint the Port which started in 2007.

Judge and Executive General Manager for People and Community, Rowen Winsor said she was looking for artworks which captured multiple aspects of the port in a unique way.

“Our port is so vast and is made up of so many aspects from the environment to the community and of course our wharves and coal terminal,” Ms Winsor said.

“The hardest part is choosing a winner because there are so many wonderful pieces every year. It’s amazing what these artists produce and to see our port through their eyes.

“However, the winning piece captured me immediately and it also captures GPC’s values of growth, prosperity and community.”

Guest judge and Gladstone Regional Art Gallery’s Manager and Curator Cameron Curd said the community was home to many talented artists.

“The depth and breadth of talent on show in this competition is high and entrants should be very proud of their achievements.

“The winning entrants were selected because of the way they captured the spirit of the port, and its activities with intricate detail, and consideration – congratulations to you all.”

The competition provides artists from Gladstone, Rockhampton or Bundaberg with an opportunity to present their unique portrayal of port activities or infrastructure for a chance to win cash prizes.

Artwork will be displayed at the Paint the Port Exhibition at ARTmatters Gallery, 3 Pitt Street, from Wednesday 24 March to Friday 16 April 2021.