Over the nine-day exhibition at the Rockingham Foreshore and Rockingham Arts Centre, visitors were invited to vote for their favourite works across the Main Exhibition, Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition, and Schools Exhibition.
The $1,000 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award for the Main Exhibition was awarded to Andrew Mullet for his sculpture, Eight Arms, One Sail. Created from recycled metal and stained glass, the work attracted strong support from visitors throughout the exhibition.
The $500 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award for the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition was won by local Safety Bay artist Carol Clitheroe for Tea-Ranquility, a whimsical mixed-media piece crafted from a clay and copper teapot, wood, copper wire, electrical components and a sea chart.
In the Schools Exhibition, Settlers Primary School took out the $250 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award for A Delicate Future. The sculpture uses recycled materials to highlight the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting ocean life.
City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan congratulated the winners on receiving recognition from the community.
"One of the most interesting aspects of the People's Choice Awards is seeing which artworks resonate most strongly with visitors," Mayor Buchan said.
"Congratulations to Andrew, Carol and the students of Settlers Primary School on creating works that captured the imagination of thousands of people throughout this year's Castaways Sculpture Awards.
“I’d also like to thank our sponsor Fremantle Ports for their generous support this year and their long-standing commitment to the Castaway Sculpture Awards.”
Now in its 18th year, Castaways continues to attract artists, students and visitors from across Western Australia, showcasing innovative sculptures created from recycled and repurposed materials in a unique coastal setting.
Every visitor who voted was entered into a draw for the $500 Voter's Prize.
Image: Mayor Lorna Buchan with Main Exhibition People's Choice Award winner Andrew Mullet and Fremantle Ports General Manager, Strategy, Planning and Performance Sami Zouad.
