Seeing the Soul Art Prize and Exhibition

82 artworks by 49 local and interstate artists will be on display in the 'Seeing the Soul Art Prize & Exhibition’ at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre from 12 April to 12 May. This unique exhibition, presented by Hoofbeats Sanctuary revolves around the theme of ‘the Human-Animal Connection’ and showcases a diverse range of pieces, depicting the bond between humans and creatures. Mediums include painting, drawing, pastel, prints, mixed media, sculpture, photography and digital art forms. Works vying for this year’s prizes include a colourful leather wallaby sculpture by Warrnambool artist Matthew Clarke, symbolic ceramic horses by Eumundi artist Julie Field, pastels of a tiger and endangered red panda by the youngest artist in the exhibition, 11 year-old Abby Pham of Brighton East (Vic), and Golden Beach artist Jonathan Jones' framed painting with poem and a pen drawing of his beloved Arabian stallion. There are also photographs, paintings, prints, collages and drawings of people with animal friends and companions, including horses, dogs, cats and birds. Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Cooroy (Gold partner) this year’s prizes include a Major Prize of $2500, Runner-Up Prize of $1500, Highly Commended Prize of $1500, People's Choice Prize of $500, and the new Under 18 Emerging Artist Prize of $500.