PORTRAITS OF WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE

They say a picture tells a thousand words. So, what better way to capture the wealth of experience and fascinating personalities of our senior Territorians than through an exhibition of vividly rendered portraits?

WORDS RITA HORANYI

BACK FOR ITS 26th year, the Portrait of Senior Territorian Awards (POAST) celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of senior Territorians to our community, as well as the talent and creativity of local portraiture artists. Each year the awards receive around 20 to 30 entries, a testament to the depth of portraiture talent in the Territory and to the extraordinary stories and achievements our senior generation have to share.

Last year, artist and ceramicist Dawn Beasley took home the top gong at the Awards for her evocative portrait of building designer, and motorsport enthusiast, Christopher Renehan. Well-known for his multi-award-winning building designs, Beasley’s portrait not only captures Renehan’s likeness, but also the drawings for one of his much-admired designs – an open-plan church in Bees Creek that was constructed on a budget usually reserved for a large shed!

For Beasley, winning the award was a lovely surprise.

“There’s some incredible portraits in the exhibition, so it’s a real honour when your work is considered to be up there amongst some of those really wonderful Territory painters.”

She also values the fact that the Awards are a celebration on multiple levels.

“There’s the fact that we’re celebrating senior Territorians, the people that they are, and what they’ve given to the Territory, but we’re also bringing together some of the best Territory artists – professional artists and amateur artists. It’s open to everyone, which is wonderful.

“It’s a celebration of both those things really, NT talent and the contribution that the senior generation has made to the Territory way of life.”

The winner of first prize takes home a tidy $7,000 and their work is acquired by Northern Territory Government, elevating the reputation of Territory artists and giving them an opportunity to become part of an important collection that captures Territory history.

Exciting innovations to the Awards are set to continue this year, including the recently created Young Artist Award and the popular Selfie with a Senior Award. The latter gives you a chance to get involved in the Awards – no painting skills required! Simply submit a photo of yourself and a senior, alongside a statement about how this senior has inspired you. Participating in the Selfie with a Senior Awards lets you hone your photography skills and helps ensure more of the stories, wisdom and experiences of our elder generation, which can often be overlooked, is shared. Plus, there’s $1,000 up for grabs for the winner.

Each year, POAST shifts between the tropics and the desert, with the Awards returning to Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs for 2025. So, if you’re in the Red Centre, make sure you don’t miss the chance to delve into some of the Territory’s fascinating characters, captured through the creative lens of local artists.

Portrait of a Senior Territorian Exhibition
WHEN SAT 12 JUL – SUN 17 AUG
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST FREE
INFO poast.com.au 

^{Header & inset: Chris Reneham with 'Legacy' by Dawn Beasley, Winner of POAST 2024. Photo: Charlie Bliss.}