Winning bookmarks available for free at libraries

Hope, humour, houses, some furry and feathered friends and a colourful abstract artwork all feature among the winning entries in Fraser Coast Libraries’ annual Design-a-Bookmark Competition.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour congratulated the five winners selected from the four age categories who received $50 book vouchers and had their bookmark designs professionally printed.

“The bookmarks are available for free at all five library branches across the region and are always popular with the people who visit the libraries,” he said.

“We’re glad to offer community members an outlet for their creativity.”

Cr Seymour said the winners were Matilda Oldham in the six and under age range, Esther Semple in the seven to 11 years category, Holly Thompson in the 12-17 years age group along with Emilie White and Michelle Evans in the 18-plus section.

The competition was judged by Hervey Bay Regional Gallery curator Cara-Ann Simpson who was impressed by the quality of the abstract artwork.

She said Matilda’s entry encapsulated the absolute freedom and pleasure of creative expression.

“You can tell by looking at this artwork that Matilda had fun and joy creating her vibrant work,” Ms Simpson said.

“It is a wonderfully rebellious entry that reminds me of the creative freedom that abstract expressionists work their entire careers to replicate.”

She said Esther's creation had her laughing aloud.

“I absolutely adored the creativity, whimsy and delight in this comic-strip-style bookmark,” Ms Simpson said.

“Hollie's simple yet elegant tonal combinations and beautiful message of hope is incredibly important at the moment given our current situation.”

Ms Simpson said Michelle’s artwork represented the character and atmosphere of Hervey Bay homes with attention to detail.

“This beautifully resolved composition has made great use of the bookmark dimensions, as well as using a refined colour palette to connect the houses and surrounding landscape,” Ms Simpson said.

She described Emilie’s colourful bookmark featuring a few of her favourite things – a unicorn, a flamingo and a rabbit – as delightful and uplifting.

“Her use of space and colour work together to bring a sense of fun and joy,” Ms Simpson said.

“This entry brought a smile to my face, and soon had me humming and thinking about a few of my favourite things.”

The bookmarks will be available for free at all library branches in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Tiaro, Howard and Burrum Heads from Saturday 13 June 2020.

Fraser Coast Libraries receives financial assistance from the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland.