A Gold Coast teacher was honoured at last night's Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards 2025.
Kizzie Hinze, a teacher at St Andrew's Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, received an Award of Excellence in the Open category for her untitled photograph.
Open category reviewer Julie Seidel said Kizzie's photograph was a compelling yet intimate image of two friends.
"The depth of field and framing of the central figures communicates a sensitive bond between the two," Julie said.
"The choice of monochromatic tonal values and a central focus point conveys connection.
"It's great to see an artist pursuing the craft of black and white photography and exploring its timeless qualities," she said.
The annual Art Awards were established in 1994 to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.
At last night's presentation, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane, Awardees' artworks were displayed in an exhibition and recipients were presented with certificates and a cash prize.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the reviewers were wowed by the quality of the hundreds of submissions across all age groups in response to the 2025 theme of 'Friends'.
"The reviewers commented on the high standard of entries and the varied and creative interpretations that entrants brought to this year's theme," Mr Burke said.
"Our union established the Awards to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.
"Art is a very important area of learning in schools, and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff in the Queensland and Northern Territory non-government sector," he said.
See the full list of recipients of 2025 Awards of Excellence and Highly Commended Awards attached.
