by Shane Sody
Celebrated artist Margaret Ambridge has carried off the $20,000 first prize in the 2025 Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize, for her charcoal and ink drawing: “Bush for Life” .
The winning prize was announced by the Deputy Chair of Kadaltilla / the Park Lands Authority, Elinor Walker, on Tuesday 1 April at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
This major prize was announced after ten minor prizes in various categories had been revealed.
Invited sponsors and donors mingled with the artists and their guests, in what was the culmination of two years work, to create and curate the sixth edition of the biennial Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize.
More than 300 entries were received. 89 of them were selected as finalists.
Margaret Ambridge describes her winning artwork as “about discovery, concealment and loss, both in subject and process. … ‘Bush for Life’ brings the bush in, offers the possibility of respite, natural regeneration, restorative care, home.”
Margaret Ambridge with her winning entry “Bush for Life”
Other prize winners:
There is a link in each caption below, to allow you to read the artist’s statement and/or purchase the artwork.
$2,500 3D category prize sponsored by Mary Lou & Antony Simpson:“Fission Fusion” by Harriet Geater-Johnson
Judges comments: “This work evokes Australiana in its glazing and colour which is reflective of the Adelaide Park Lands. It has an element of wildness and humour.”
Pic (at right): Harriet Geater-Johnson receiving her award from Douglas Gaultier, CEO and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre, on behalf of Mary Lou & Antony Simpson. Pic: Jan Bowman
$2,500 Multi-media category prize, sponsored by the late Judith Hunter OAM posthumously presented by her daughter Jacqui Hunter. “Destiny as Tree” - a 9m28s video by Ray Harris.
The judges said of the work: “This multimedia work captures the subtlety of the environment and shifting life movements. A vibrant use of colour and nuances capturing a mood and atmosphere.”
Pic (at right) Ray Harris receiving the award from Jacqui Hunter. Pic: Jan Bowman
$2,500 First Nations artist category sponsored by Mount Horrock’s Wines “Summer in the Park” - George Cooley
The judges said of this award: ‘This work has an originality, creativity and relatability to the Park Lands and captures the iridescent skies of summer. It is a painterly and bold work that shows great vitality.’
Pic (at right): First Nations Prize being awarded by Georgie Grossett of Mt Horrocks Wines. Pic: Jan Bowman
$2,500 “Emerging Artist” prize, sponsored by David and Emma Robinson: “Stadium” by Jay Lord.
Judges’ comments: “This work has visual impact with the juxtapositioning of green and red. It co-opts visual aspects of protest and symbolism with regards to the Park Lands and development.”
Pic (at right): Jay Lord receiving his award from Douglas Gautier, on behalf of David and Emma Robinson. Pic: Jan Bowman
$2,500 Artist Living with a Disability category, sponsored by Minda, Inc. “Bird-Day Party” by Stella Valente
Judges notes: “The artist has used a simplicity of materials that shows technical competence in a highly detailed work that is recognisable as the Park Lands and shows a good sense of humour.”
Pic (at right): Stella Valente receiving her award from David Panter, CEO of Minda Inc. Pic: Jan Bowman
$1,250 Secondary school student category “Nankeen Kestrels in the Urban Wild” by Sophia Guth
Judges comments: “This work shows finely observed form with technical proficiency. It uses great modulations of stippling and feathers which effectively suggests movement.”
Pic: APA’s Terri Moore (right) presenting the award. Pic: Jan Bowman
$1,250 Primary school student category “Weekend” by Evie Li
Judges comments: “This work captures the Adelaide experience of living on the fringe of the Park Lands. It’s closely observed, competent treatment of a three-dimensional subject in a mature composition. It has a good painterly nature and good use of colour.’
Pic (at right): Evie Li receiving her award from APA’s Terri Moore/
$2,500 Judges Commendation Prize (1 of 2) jointly sponsored by O’Donnaghan Family Trust and St Peters College. “Blue Gum” by Miia K Ascione.
Judges comments: “This painting captures the feeling of dusk and speaks strongly of the Park Lands. The image is evocative and speaks of a particular tree and particular location.”
Pic (at right) Miia Ascione receiving her award from Pam O’Donnell
$2,500 Judges Commendation Prize (2 of 2) sponsored by Hero Weston and Jan & Peter Davis . “Untitled” by LeShaye Swan.
Judges comments: “This hand built bowl impresses because of its size, its vibrancy of earthy red and textured glaze and its decoration of detailed graffito and botanical motifs.”
Pics: Jan Bowman. At right LeShaye Swan receiving her award from Hero Weston
See all the works on display. Take a virtual walk, back and forth, within the Gallery at the Adelaide Festival Centre, to see all the works on display in the 2025 Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize, courtesy of ABMvisual. (Be patient - it takes up to 30 seconds to load!)
