A UNIQUE mix of imagination and inspiration summed up the entries in this year’s Rustic Farm Art Awards, judged at the 80th Gidgegannup Show.

With a theme of 1940s to Now, artists were encouraged to explore change, continuity and memories of eight decades of rural life and community connection.

The top prize of the $3500 Bendigo Community Bank Mundaring Overall Award, won with a unanimous vote by the judging panel, was awarded to Mel Costall for their ‘A Dog Called Gidge’.

Described as an emotive and beautifully executed response to the theme, capturing the quiet comfort of a much-loved childhood companion, the artwork incorporated a symbolic use of saw blades, referencing Gidgegannup’s timber milling history.

Judges were particularly impressed by the dog’s restful pose, evoking a sense of home and familiarity.

Highly commended was awarded to Aaron Buckle for ‘Sit For A Bit’, an artwork which the judges felt provided a thoughtful message, reminding hard workers to take a moment to pause and enjoy the view.

The $1500 Solahart Midland Local Artist Award went to David Elzer for ‘Outback Luxury’, a fully fabricated piece combining functionality with a simple, balanced composition.

His considered use of scrap metal detailing was judged to have successfully transformed an everyday object into a celebration of the simple pleasures and comforts of rural life enjoyed in Gidgegannup and surrounds.

Other awards included the $1000 Michelle Maynard MLA Youth Award for ‘Highland Cow’ by Oliver Duncan, noted as an emerging artist showing great promise.

His artwork combined a well-constructed sculpture with an inventive use of materials, crafting a playful personality.

Highly commended in the youth category was ‘Steel Bloom’ by Arelle Argus, for bringing organic forms to life through expressive and engaging metalwork and ‘Perched Crow’ by Dyllon Church, recognised for the impressive skill, quality and finish evident in his work.

Dyllon also took home the $500 Gidgegannup Agricultural Society People’s Choice Award.

The City of Swan supported the event and for more information for artists go to the dedicated website.