The Portia Geach Memorial Award was established by Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister, artist Portia Geach, who spent much of her life campaigning for the rights of women in Australia and was determined to make a living from painting. Geach was widely acclaimed as a leading artist and was a frequent commentator in the national media – making her an iconic figure in the Australian arts community. The Portia Geach Memorial Award is awarded by The Trust Company as trustee, to the entry with the highest artistic merit.
Winners
Sally Robinson has been announced as the winner of the 2012 Portia Geach Memorial Award. Robinson winning painting The Artist’s Mother. The Artist’s Mother portrays Robinson’s late mother, Margaret Joyce Robinson, WHO agreed to sit for the portrait while undergoing chemotherapy.
Sydney based artist Ann Cape has won the Portia Geach Memorial Award People’s Choice with a painting of Professor Anita Taylor. Cape’s sensitive painting of the Head of the National Art School was chosen from 55 portraits.
Finalists
Public Programs
Sunday 30 September, 3pm Artist talk with Katherine Edney, Chelsea Lehmann and VR Morrison
Sunday 7 October, 3pm Painting a self portrait – artist talk with Monika Behrens, Louisa Chan and Dale Kentwell
Sunday 14 October, 3pm Artist talk with Jo Bertini, Agnes Bruck and Kathrin Longhurst
Sunday 21 October, 3pm Artist talk with Ann Cape, Jude Rae and Anita Taylor
Sunday 28 October, 3pm Artists painting artists – artist talk with Deborah Beck and Margaret Tuckson (sitter), and Sally Robinson (Winner)
Sunday 4 November, 3pm Artist talk with Sophie Cape (Highly Commended) and Marie Gorton
Media
ABC TV News – interview by Anne Maria Nicholson – Thursday 27 September