Local photographer Daniel Cazzolato wins at Murray Bridge Rotary Art Show

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A local photographer has been named one of three major prize winners at the opening of the 2022 Murray Bridge Rotary Art Show.

Daniel Cazzolato’s black and white Seagull Frenzy took out the photography prize at this year’s show, which had its official opening on Sunday at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.

More than 120 works from 60 artists were displayed around the gallery, but judge Tony Kanellos said Cazzolato’s photo had stood out.

“With some of these entries, it’s actually quite difficult to determine at first glance whether they’re paintings or photographs or drawings,” he said.

“Daniel Cazzolato’s Seagull Frenzy is one such work, capturing so much movement.”

Mount Barker painter Thomas Bromley took out the top prize for two-dimensional works with his oil portrait of piano-playing prodigy Alexandra Dovgan.

“When I came here last week and spent several hours in the space, something happened right away: Thomas Bromley’s painting of Alexandra Dovgan, as I was circling around the gallery, I kept on coming back to see it,” Mr Kanellos said.

“Thomas captures this moment of anticipation as the young girl is about to play.”

The top three-dimensional work was Adelaide-based ceramic artist Anna Couper’s Trio of Vessels.

Mr Kanellos described it as “a little risky in both form and technique: too much or too little would have led to a very unsuccessful result”.

Painters Kathleen Cain and Carmen Gibbons-John, photographers Kaylene Maalste and Carol Coventry and sculptors Deborah Hooper and Audrey Van Den Heuvel were the other artists Mr Kanellos singled out for praise.

A prize sponsored by Murraylands Animal Welfare Watch, for the best compassionate depiction of an animal, went to Coventry for her photo Love on the Beach.

Mr Kanellos encouraged everyone not only to come and see the exhibition, but to consider supporting the artists by buying their work.

“Obviously art is personal,” he said.

“I’m sure some of you will agree with my selections and some of you will not.

“Either way … buy the work you think should win.”

The exhibition will continue at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery until May 15.