CONTEMPORARY artist Jessica Nothdurft has taken out the coveted Best in Show category of the 2023 Ipswich Art Awards.

Her piece House Dress is painted in a deliberate faux-naïve style.

Nothdurft was also a finalist in this year’s Art Gallery NSW Sulman Prize.

For the first time, opening night of the Ipswich Art Awards was followed by a second public event - Up Late - where members of the community joined artists to celebrate the winners with a night of canapes, drinks and music.

Council’s Arts Committee Chairman Andrew Fechner said it was “incredible” how the Ipswich Art Awards managed to get bigger and better every year with the exhibition attracting almost 1,000 people in its first weekend.

“The calibre of talent in this exhibition is just outstanding and it’s encouraging to the local art community that Ipswich can hold its own against the rest of the country with six of the category awards presented to Ipswich residents,” Cr Fechner said.

“This year, 50 percent of entries came from all across Australia proving that these awards are well and truly on the national arts radar increasing Ipswich’s reputation as a supportive city for artists.”

“I want to congratulate all winners and also congratulate all those that entered, as it takes courage to have your art hanging in this exhibition.”

This year’s judges were Rachel Arndt and Anna Thurgood, both seasoned art curators, who selected the winners and highly commended in each category.

Ms Arndt, who has more than 20 years of experience in Australia and internationally, said the standard of entries was particularly high.

“I’ve been really impressed by the artists, their talent and quantity of entries which is a wonderful indication of the support for arts and culture in Ipswich and across Australia,” Ms Arndt said.

Ms Thurgood, who has been curating exhibitions for over 10 years, said it was a delight to be asked to judge the awards.

“I have been overwhelmed by what we have seen and there are some absolute standouts too, that I’m quite excited about,” Ms Thurgood said.

The winners share in $15,000 prize money, with a further $1,500 still to be awarded to an artist when the People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the exhibition.

2023 Ipswich Art Awards winners

Best in Show: Jessica Nothdurft – House Dress

Painting, Acrylic and Oil: Jennifer Kent – Before the Feast

Painting, Watercolour: Deb Mosert – Owl as Object

Drawing and Pastels: Emily Banwell – Fairy Bread

Three Dimensions: Rachel North - Unwriting Landscape

Print Making: David Turner – Defunct

Mixed Media: Bonny Shore – Reflections

New Media: Renee Yates – West

Photography: Dane Beesley – Balloon 100

Jennifer Kent with her work Before the Feast

Rachel North with her work Unwriting Landscape