The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, presented by Woollahra Council, today announced Sydney based artist Merran Esson and her work Autumn On The Monaro as the winner of the 19th annual acquisitive $20,000 Prize. Sydney artist Benjamin Jay Shand was awarded the Special Commendation award valued at $2,000 and artists Kieta Jackson, from Norwich, England, and Jessica Leitmanis, from Torquay, received a special mention. The 2019 Mayor’s Award valued at $1,000 has been awarded to Adelaide artist Jane Price.

Professor Ross Harley commented on the 2019 winning sculpture: “Merran Esson has made a beautiful work that evokes the forms and atmosphere of the Monaro autumn. The winning work displays a masterful use of material, palette and form but at the same time it has a warmth of emotion which draws the viewer into its field.”

The winners were chosen from a finalist group of 43 emerging and established artists by three guest judges: Dean of the Faculty of Art & Design and UNSW Chair of Arts and Culture, Professor Ross Harley;  Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Opera House, Louise Herron AM, and Design and Architecture advocate, broadcaster, author and comedian, Tim Ross. All finalist works will be displayed as part of a free public exhibition from 12 October – 3 November 2019 at Woollahra Council in Sydney.

Image: Merran Esson, Autumn On The Monaro