By Ewen McRae
A Brookfield artist has made the finals of a statewide competition, named after a fellow local.
Lifestyle Communities, which is holding the art show, named the Simpson Arts Prize after Pauline Simpson, who was the first homeowner to move into a Lifestyle Community in 2005.
Brookfield’s Shirley Bela said having her works as part of the show was a huge thrill.
“With Lifestyle putting on this art prize it probably gives all the artists in the village the chance to show what they do,” Ms Bela said. “I thought it was a fantastic idea because there’s a lot of talent out there.
“I feel very honoured to get two pieces through to the finals, it’s very exciting.”
Ms Bela will be part of the show’s finals on August 28. A love of animals and nature has influenced all of her current work.
“Art is the main thing that I’ve done my whole life,” Ms Bela said.
“I guess I’ve always been creative, done about every craft under the sun.
“I’m a kiln-formed glass artist now, so it’s warm glass that goes into a kiln that I handpaint. I absolutely love painting animals, it’s a real passion of mine.”
To buy tickets to the Simpson Arts Prize, head to simpsonartsprize.eventbrite.com or call 1300 505 560.
