The Contemporary Art Society of Victoria Incorporated Collectors' Exhibition 2005 A selected exhibition of Australian Contemporary Art 6 - 21 February 2005 Steps Gallery, 62 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne information from the artist....

DEIRDRE EDWARDS

I was born in Broken Hill, an isolated outback city with its heritage and growth based on mining. My artwork reflects the connection I have with my environment. My subject matter is versatile, encompassing environmental & social themes; the outback landscape, its people and heritage including incorporating minerals as part of the painting process. The most commonly used mediums in my paintings are watercolour, acrylic and mixed media. I will regularly use charcoal, pastel and include oil and inks to create a desired effect. I am a member of the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria, and have been actively involved in the Arts and The Willyama Art Society of Broken Hill since 1988. My involvement in donations and fund raisers for charity are well known throughout the region. I offer an exclusive artwork and subject matter in my contemporary work, earning me numerous commissions. My artwork is represented in the Broken Hill City Art Gallery Collection, and hangs in private and business collections nationally and internationally.

Qualifications

I have obtained qualifications through University Correspondence, Broken Hill TAFE College and Robinson College, in addition to numerous workshops and attainment art classes.

The major qualifications are listed below.

• Distinction in Arts Marketing, Broken Hill TAFE
• Distinction in Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University
• Distinction in Photograph, R.M.I.T. University
• High Credit in Drawing, R.M.I.T. University
• College Achievement Award, Certificate in Painting, Broken Hill TAFE

Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions: "Women Artists of Broken Hill", "Living Desert Artists of Broken Hill", "Outback Art", "Amazonia", "The Futures", "The Power", "Pt Pirie Biennial", "Linden"," Strut", Roxby, "The Collectors", "Contemporary Art" and "The Big Back Yard"- Darling Harbour, " The Tree in Changing Light","Vanguard"

Solo Exhibitions: "Outback to See" Melbourne 2004.

Upcoming Exhibitions: A Solo exhibition will be held at The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery 9/9/05, I am intending to travel this Exhibition to other areas.

Awards

• "People's Choice Award", Wentworth Art Prize
• Nomination "Far West Award for Excellence in Visual Arts" Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery
• "People's Choice Award" Christianity- An Australian Perspective.
• Pt. Pirie Biennial Exhibition, Overall Champion Art/ still-life
• 3rd Prize, Photography; buildings
• 1st Prize, Art/ still-life, Silver City Show
• 2nd Prize Main Street Window Display
• Highly Commended, Fairfield Art Exhibition
• Certificate of Merit, Art, Silver City Show
• Best Watercolour Award, Charles Sturt Festival of Arts
• College Achievement Award Broken Hill TAFE College
• Highly Commended, Jamestown Exhibition.

Written and compiled

• "The Backbone of Broken Hill" - an extensive history of The Willyama Art Society of Broken Hill.
• Prepared and Compiled the Broken Hill Business and the Broken Hill Tourist Calendar. Calendars are now printed on a yearly basis and circulated throughout Australia and overseas.
• Acquisition of Artwork and acknowledgement for its use in association with Cross-cultural Training Programs for the Rural Health Western Division. Artwork reproduced on the cover of a hand book.