A multi-award-winning local artist who selflessly dedicated more than three decades to sharing her talent and passion for painting has received Sunraysia's highest arts accolade, the Elliott Award.
Mary Briggs was posthumously announced as the 2023 Elliott Award recipient on Saturday in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts in our community over more than 30 years.
Mary's artistic journey started on her 50th birthday when her children gave her oil paints, brushes and other art materials as her birthday present.
It sparked a love of painting that saw her become a much-loved member of the Mildura Riverfront Art Group for more than 30 years, during which time she was granted a Life Membership for her outstanding contribution to the group.
Known as the 'unofficial matriarch' of the group, Mary held every executive position, including President.
She has presented numerous workshops for the community in both the Mildura Riverfront Art Group gallery and in community areas, passing on her knowledge and skill.
Mildura Arts and Culture Advisory Committee Chair Joe Simonetta said Mary was an inspiration to hundreds of budding artists who went on to further immerse themselves in the arts and painting.
"Mary dedicated thousands of hours to both the artform she loved and ensuring others could take the same joy she took from painting, positively impacting so many peoples' lives," Mr Simonetta said.
"This impact has been felt within the Mildura Riverfront Art Group and the broader community, making her a very deserving recipient of our region's highest arts accolade."
In addition to her time with the Mildura Riverfront Art Group, Mary supported adult learners at MADEC as well as exhibiting her own paintings both within the Sunraysia region and further afield, winning numerous exhibitions.
Previous Elliott Awards recipients have been recognised for the length of service to arts and culture, the breadth of their contribution throughout the term of their involvement, their encouragement and nurturing of children and youth, their championing of arts and culture involvement to the broader community, and their creation of a significant positive community legacy in our region.
In previous years the Elliott Award has been awarded to Des Tobin, 2006; Tom McCullough, 2007; Vaughan Stirrat, 2008; Neil Noyce, 2009; Mollie Kalms, 2010; Shirley Bowie, 2011; Neil Fettling, 2012; Kay Sylvester, 2013; Peta Lynne Buchanan and Janine Kerr, 2014; Len Krause, 2015; Yvonne Hedley, 2016; Henry Tankard, 2017; Mavis Francis, 2018; David Searle 2019, Megan Sullivan 2020; Willie Hannah-Rodgers 2021; and most recently Libby Kennedy in 2022.
