Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) has announced artist Sandy Sanderson as the recipient of the 2025 Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship, with Liss Finney named runner-up.
Established in 2005 by Vicki and Bruce Woods in memory of their friend, Brenda Clouten, the scholarship has played a key role in nurturing young artistic talent in the Hunter region.
Now in its 20th year, the program provides financial support and professional development opportunities for emerging artists.
This year, 11 finalists were selected from a highly competitive field, and their works are now featured in the Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship Exhibition at MRAG.
Gallery Director, Gerry Bobsien, highlighted the impact of the scholarship, which has served as a launching pad for many promising young artists.
“For two decades, the Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship has helped shape the careers of some of the Hunter region’s most exciting emerging artists. Beyond financial support, it offers exposure and professional development opportunities that can significantly influence an artist’s future,” said Mr Bobsien.
“The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, showcasing a new generation of talent exploring bold and thought-provoking themes.”
Sandy Sanderson’s winning work, Communia Omnia, blends art, science, technology, philosophy and ritual. The installation combines objects from nature with video, light and synthetic materials in tension with each other.
Visitors can experience the works of all 11 finalists, including Aidan Gageler, Alessia Sakoff, Claire Paul, Brigitte Beyer, Genevieve Graham, Indeah Clark, James Rhodes, Lexie Worboys, Nikola Jokanovic, runner-up Liss Finney and winner Sandy Sanderson.
The Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship Exhibition is open to the public until 15 June at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
For more information, visit mait.city/BrendaCloutenExhibition2025. Maitland Regional Art Gallery is a service of Maitland City Council and is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
