By GARRY HOWE
A FRIENDSHIP forged over the bain-marie in the footy club canteen helped Bunyip artist Gael Smith collect her biggest prize at the 40th anniversary Yakkerboo Art Show at the weekend.
Gael was told to look for a silent achiever as a subject for the inaugural Pakenham Portraits section – Cardinia Shire’s version of the Archibald Prize – and she immediately thought of her friend Gwen Begg.
Her oil painting of Gwen topped 376 entries as Best in Show, described by judges Mark Fawcett and Mary Hollick as an outstanding piece.
Gwen was president of the Bunyip Football Club ladies committee for 45 years, responsible for the club canteen and catering, and has given service to many community groups, including the Bunyip Township Committee and Bunyip Community Opportunity Shop.
In 2001, the Shire of Cardinia presented her with an Australia Day Award for her services to the community.
Gael has been painting as a hobby for 30 years, and over that time has been a regular contributor to the Yakkerboo Art Show, but this was the first time she had won a prize.
“They told me to look for a silent achiever in the community for my subject, and I thought of Gwen straight away,” Gael explained.
“We have known each other for years and work together in the canteen.”
The Pakenham Portraits section was a huge hit, with over 30 entries capturing the colour and character of local personalities.
Leanne Hutchinson won the category with her oil painting of Cardinia Shire councillor and champion of the arts Kate Lempriere. She also captured the character of long-time Pakenham trader Terry Baldwin in her piece entitled Two Dollar Terry.
Other district characters immortalized on canvas included Yakkerboo stalwart Graham Treloar, Stan Young, Tom Slattery, Bernie Dingle, Pauline ’Bones’ McKinnon, Bill Ronald, Jumbo Cunningham, Graeme Moore and George Blenkhorn.
