“Create! Put Yourself Out There”

2019 Aspects Open Prize Winner - Mel Simmonds

The Aspects Art Show committee has put out the call for entries in this year’s Goondiwindi Show. The Show weekend is fast approaching so it is time to get into the studio – or kitchen or shed – and produce an artistic masterpiece or two. Online entries close on Wednesday 7th April.

With the number of exhibits increasing each year and an incredible $30,000 in prize money, the Aspects Art Show is recognised as a significant cultural event throughout the Goondiwindi region and beyond.

Just ask the 2019 major prize winner, artist Mel Simmonds.

“Aspects Art Show in Gundy is one of my faves,” says Mel who won the 2019 Aspects Art Show Open Section prize with her painting “Femme”, a striking portrait of a woman.

Mel has been creating all her life but became a professional artist eight years ago. She owned a very popular store in Inverell, NSW until a move to Brisbane 2 years ago where she now has “Bristle” - a homewares, clothing store and gallery in Paddington.

Using acrylic paint as her main medium, she creates emotive, colourful artworks that match her vibrant personality.

When asked about her career highlights, she doesn’t hesitate, “Definitely one would be winning the Open Section of Aspects Art show in 2019”.

“I was also selected to be a finalist in the Mosman Art Prize in 2014 and had my painting beside the likes of Ken Done and Ahn Do.

“The opening of my gallery/store in Brisbane has been a huge challenge and even bigger reward.  The response to my works and my painting classes has been wonderful.”

Mel is also the feature artist at this year’s Toowoomba Grammar Art Show.

Asked why she enters regional art shows, and in particular Aspects Art Show, her answer is simple “I love supporting rural art shows”.

“It’s a wonderful way to raise your profile as they service such a large area, reaching potential clients that I would not usually have access to, and I also find that the rural shows usually have well-organised transportation of works available.”

What advice would Mel give to artists considering entering Aspects?

“Create! Put yourself out there. It feels intimidating at first but then it becomes so exciting to be a part of a community of like-minded people.”

So, for your chance to win at Aspects enter online now - entries close on Wednesday 7th April. For more information go to www.aspectsartshow.com.au or call 0427 712250.