Young artists get a boost in outback Queensland

March 2022

The John Villiers Trust (JVT) is not only the name behind the John Villiers Outback Art Prize, but this year also provided funding to facilitate Youth Development Workshops in Winton for children and youth in the lead up to the Prize.

John Clarke, a Year 10 student at Winton State School, attended the workshops along with 60 other youth and children from country Queensland, who all had the opportunity to learn about portrait drawing and new art methods from experts.

John was encouraged to enter his work, Skull Triptych, into the Emerging Youth Category of the John Villiers Outback Art Prize after taking part in the workshops.

He said the workshops gave him an opportunity to learn from talented artists and meet “amazing people with incredible skills”.

“Without these workshops, I would not have experienced these amazing opportunities for growth and development, as well as an appreciation for such varied artistic ability and skills, due to me living in outback Queensland,” John said.

“The workshops meant I was able to participate in a prestigious art competition and experience mentoring by talented artists.

“I hope I am able to become an artist who has a truly unique way of sharing my view of the world, with the world.”

While John’s piece wasn’t chosen by the judges in the top three of the Emerging Youth category, he is in the running for the People’s Choice Award. Voting is open until 5pm Friday, 6 May 2022. View the artwork and cast your vote here – https://matildacentre.interactivink.com.au/vote

Read more about JVT and the Waltzing Matilda Centre:

• WMC: Entries now open for the John Villiers Trust Outback Art Prize
• Winners all around at the 2023 John Villiers Outback Art Prize
• The John Villiers Outback Art Prize finalists
• Celebrating the outback through art