Woollam Art On Show Opens With Dazzle, Talent And Heart

The Mackay Art Society launched the 2025 Woollam Art on Show Exhibition with sparkling success on Opening Night last Friday, drawing a crowd of around 240 art lovers, artists, and supporters.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous evening, officially opened by Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and expertly hosted by MC Rob Kidd from ABC Tropical North. Among the special guests were Nigel Dalton MP and Mark Svendsen, poet, writer and arts administrator of the Regional Centre of the Arts, Rockhampton who joined in celebrating this standout cultural event.

With a glitz and glamour dress theme, the room sparkled with sequins, smiles, and creative flair. Live piano music played by Valerie Dickson provided an atmospheric backdrop adding to the atmosphere.

This year’s judging was entrusted to Ron McBurnie, a respected Australian award-winning artist and educator.

His discerning eye and thoughtful selections added depth and prestige to the Awards. This year marked a new chapter, with the Mackay Art Society hosting the event for the first time - and what a debut! The committee was thrilled with the enthusiastic response from both the public and the artists. The show opened with 250 individual artworks, including works from 27 artists who submitted 43 works from across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and regional Queensland. Seven of the award winners came from outside the region, reflecting the national appeal of the exhibition and lifting Mackay’s profile as a thriving centre for the arts.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the event sponsors, especially Craig Percival, Managing Director of Woollam Constructions, whose ongoing passion for the arts has ensured the continuation of this popular local event. A special acknowledgement of and sincere thanks must be given to the Mackay Show Association for providing the best possible venue at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds.

“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved,” said Ben Ranson, President of the Mackay Art Society.

“Woollam Art on Show Awards has truly become a premier regional arts event, and this year’s response highlights Mackay’s place as a thriving centre for creativity and culture. We hope we’ve done the artists proud, because they’ve certainly done us proud.”

Feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive, praising the quality of the artworks, the welcoming atmosphere, and the smooth organisation. Over the course of the exhibition in excess of 30 artworks were sold, an incredible show of support for the talented creatives on display.

Congratulations to all the 2025 winners, including Sharon Drew, who took home the Woollam Art on Show Overall Winner Award for Mangroves meet the Tides.

Jan Cunningham’s ‘Storylines in Karijini Sandstone’ won her the Local Artist Award, sponsored by Gibbs Air. The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Brandon Endelman for his portrait, Gandalf The Light in Darkness.

The full list of winners spans emerging talent, intricate miniatures, and works on canvas and paper.

Organisers of Mackay Art Society sent their heartfelt thanks to every artist, sponsor, guest, and volunteer. It truly showcased a celebration of creativity and the power of art to bring the community together.

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The Mackay Art Society’s 2025 Woollam Art on Show Exhibition opened with a dazzling night of art, music, and community spirit, drawing over 240 guests and showcasing 250 works from across the country in a triumphant debut event. Photos supplied

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