Melbourne artist Jaq Grantford has been announced as the Archibald Prize 2023 ANZ People's Choice Award winner at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The Carrum Downs-based artist won the prize for her extraordinary portrait of Australian actor, former Play School presenter and beloved personality Noni Hazlehurst.
This is Grantford's first time as an Archibald Prize finalist and her work will be on display alongside fifty-six other striking portraits when the popular exhibition makes its way to Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery this September.
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery has revealed its immersive program of events to align with the Archibald Prize 2023.
Among the highlights are:
- Oil painting portraiture masterclasses with Packing Room Prize 2023 winning artist Andrea Huelin or 2023 ANZ People's Choice Award winner Jaq Grantford.
- An exclusive two-course lunch at iconic Mornington Peninsula vineyard Montalto where diners can experience an in-conversation event with Jaq Grantford and her sitter Noni Hazlehurst who joins via Zoom.
- Enjoy a conversation at MPRG with Archibald Prize 2023 winning artist Julia Gutman and MPRG Gallery Director, Danny Lacy while enjoying the flavours of locally produced food and wine.
- FRIDAY UNWINDS – an exclusive Friday night pass to admire the Archibald Prize artworks after dark with wine and cheeses plus special talks with artists Jill Ansell and Jaq Grantford.
- A specially curated September School Holiday program for children and young people which includes a kids portraiture workshop with Packing Room Prize 2023 winning artist Andrea Huelin and Alanah Brand.
Plus artist talks, workshops, artist and sitter conversations, and a range of Gallery tours.
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery café partner Commonfolk will be serving up great coffee, nutritious seasonal tucker and good vibes on site, encouraging gallery-goers to eat, drink and stay caffeinated with their high-quality coffee and undeniably great food.
Enthusiastic art lovers will experience a display of 57 portraits, including this year's winning portrait of singer songwriter Montaigne by Julia Gutman, the notable Packing Room Prize 2023 winning portrait of Cal Wilson by Andrea Huelin and the 2023 ANZ People's Choice Award winning work of Noni Hazlehurst by Jaq Grantford.
As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will feature portraits of public figures and cultural identities from all walks of life, reflecting the stories of our times.
The Archibald Prize 2023 will be on display at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington from 15 September to 5 November 2023.
Timed entry, flexible entry and open late tickets are available now and selling fast. To book your spot to experience Australia's most prestigious art prize visit MPRG | Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour
The Archibald Prize is Australia's oldest and most prestigious art award and will be shown exclusively in Victoria at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. The Archibald Prize 2023 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition.
Image: Archibald Prize 2023 ANZ People's Choice Award winner Jaq Grantford with the winning work Through the window, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales
