GABRIELLA Vittorio and Kat Parker have been honoured as the winners of the SAM Fresh 2024 La Trobe University Award and the People’s Choice Award, respectively. The announcement was made during the official exhibition celebration at the Shepparton Art Museum on August 3, before an enthusiastic audience of over 80 people. The event featured remarks from SAM Acting Artistic Director Danny Lacy and SAM Curator – Community Caroline Esbenshade.
Vittorio’s entry, Lunchtime, is a surrealist digital drawing reflecting her Italian heritage and the challenges of growing up as a culturally diverse individual in Australia. It explores the experience of multicultural students feeling self-conscious about their packed lunches. As the La Trobe University Award recipient, Vittorio will receive a $1,500 cash prize.
Parker’s Robust White-eye won the People’s Choice Award. Her printmaking piece, composed of multiple layered linocut prints, creates a dynamic three-dimensional form that seems ready to take flight. Esbenshade noted that both winning pieces displayed a high level of skill and resonated strongly with audiences. She highlighted how Vittorio’s work sparked conversations among viewers of all backgrounds about their school lunches and personal experiences.
The SAM Fresh 2024 exhibition, showcasing young creatives aged 16-25 from the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions, features both winning entries in the SAM Community Gallery.
