People's Choice Winners Announced for Waste to Art

The votes are in – the People’s Choice Award winners for the Waste to Art Competition have been announced, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and innovative recycling.

Fraser Coast Regional Mayor George Seymour said a record breaking 151 artworks were created for the exhibition which launched in November 2024 and has now wrapped up with the winners of the People’s Choice being announced.

The Junior Exhibition People’s Choice winner is Joni Cobbin for her entry Black Friday’s Dress, earning her a $150 prize.

“This incredible dress was crafted from garbage bags, fruit bags, egg cartons, milk bottles, wool, ice cream sticks, and toilet rolls,” Cr Seymour said.

The Senior Exhibition People’s Choice winner is Ruthie Purnell for her artwork The Princess and the Mask, winning $300.

“This stunning dress, made from pink masks, represents the aftermath of COVID-19 and the silent pandemic of waste that followed,” Cr Seymour said.

“Approximately 1,000 disposable face masks from the Reuse and Recycle Centre in Hervey Bay were used to create the piece, along with lolly wrappers from Wide Bay Sweets, milk bottles, and reclaimed beads.

The Waste to Art Exhibition, held at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough since November, attracted 1,374 visitors – up from 1,185 in 2023 – with over 400 people casting votes for their favorite artworks.

“The exhibition grows in popularity each year, challenging perceptions of waste while encouraging innovative recycling and creative reuse of unwanted materials,” Cr Seymour said.

Artists who participated are reminded to collect their artworks by January 12 from Gatakers Artspace, open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and weekends from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, with weekend pickups requiring an appointment by calling 07 4190 5818.