Once the finalists' sculptures have been installed for the exhibition, the independent judges will select the winning artworks for each award category.
Main and Maquette & Small Sculpture Exhibition
Dr Audrey Fernandes-Satar PhD
Audrey Fernandes-Satar was born in India, has studied in Lisbon, Portugal and lived in Australia for the past 40 years. She grew up within a microcosm of stories of freedom and activism – collective memories shared, or overhead, and then kept safe in an imaginary repository somewhere in her mind. Her practice spans poetic text, painting, sculpture, drawing and the moving image. She has completed numerous site-specific art projects in public spaces and exhibited in Australia and overseas, including at the 23rd Venice Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy in 2023.
Audrey holds an MFA from the University of Lisbon, Portugal and a PhD from Murdoch University, Perth, where she has been a lecturer for the past 18 years.
Johannes Pannekoek
Johannes Pannekoek is recognised for his bold,
curvilinear metal sculptures. With a background in creative design and engineering, he further developed his practice through studies in Applied Environmental Art at Central TAFE.
His work explores abstract forms through parabolic curves, spatial relationships, and the interplay of volume and line. Using both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, Johannes embraces complex mathematical and fabrication techniques to create distinctive sculptures with a refined material finish. From his design studio and fully equipped workshop in the Hills, he leads a small team of skilled professionals who help bring his intricate designs to life.
He has regularly exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, both Cottesloe and Bondi since 2012. His most recent award was the 2024 Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill Sculpture Award at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe. His public art commissions range from St Hilda’s Primary in 2009 to Crown Towers in 2016 and the City of Melville in 2024.
Schools Exhibtion
Stephen Armitstead
Stephen Armitstead has an extensive background in education and Visual Art practice of over 25 years. He has taught in a number of institutions including both High School and University. Currently Head of Learning for The Arts at Applecross SHS, he teaches both visual arts and media to students from year 7 to year 12.
In his art practice, Stephen Armitstead works with experimental installation, video, photo-media, architecture, sculpture, interactive elements, and sound. Originally from New South Wales, Stephen studied Fine Art at COFA, UNSW. Armitstead’s work has been represented in solo and group exhibitions in WA, SA and NSW and his work has been selected for the Mid-West Art Prize (2018, 2015) and for the Joondalup Invitational Art Award (2010, 2012).
He has collaborated on site-specific temporary artworks for the City of Fremantle (2013) and for the City of Subiaco (2011). His most recent solo exhibitions include a 2019 exhibition at Cool Change Contemporary in WA, and 2017 at Feltspace in SA.
Paul Leeming
Paul Leeming who is the current Visual Art coordinator at Carey Baptist College Harrisdale, has been steeped in Visua
l Art and creativity from a young age. As a 12-year-old, living in Manchester England, he was a runner up in the National BBC’s Blue Peter Keep Britain Tidy art competition and excelled in Visual Art, living in Germany, England, Scotland and Australia, attending Churchlands Senior High school under the tutelage of Phil Stanley.
In the 1980’s, Paul trained to be a Graphic Designer at the old Perth Technical college under an esteemed creative stable of lecturers such as Cedric Baxter, Neil Hollace, David Silvester and Brian McKay, and worked for several advertising agencies in West Perth as a freelance Graphic Designer/Illustrator. After a stint of working in the US and UK, Paul embarked on fostering his love of Art and Design within the context of Art Teaching, working both for the state education department and private sector.
Paul’s passion, as a dedicated Visual Art coordinator and specialist sees him adept at teaching a diverse range of art disciplines, including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and Illustrated design. His experience in delivering high-quality Visual Art programs fostering student creativity, is aligned with the Western Australian Curriculum, and reflects nearly 30 years of practice. Paul has seen numerous Visual Art students excel and win awards and pursue their chosen careers to become important influences in both in the art world and educational setting.