Sandy Sanderson named recipient of prestigious Hunter art scholarship

newy.com.au – A bold fusion of nature, science, and modern ritual has earned artist Sandy Sanderson the 2025 Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship, announced by Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) on Monday, 24 March 2025. Sanderson’s immersive installation Communia Omnia secured top honours, while Liss Finney was named runner-up in the long-running initiative that supports emerging talent from across the Hunter region.

Now in its 20th year, the scholarship was founded in 2005 by Vicki and Bruce Woods in memory of their friend Brenda Clouten. It offers both financial backing and critical exposure for early-career artists, with Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien describing it as a “launching pad” for the region’s rising creative voices. “Beyond financial support, it offers exposure and professional development opportunities that can significantly influence an artist’s future,” Bobsien said.

The 2025 exhibition showcases the work of 11 standout finalists selected from a highly competitive field. Sanderson’s winning piece weaves together elements of art, technology, philosophy and ritual, with organic objects juxtaposed against synthetic materials, video and light. Meanwhile, the Friends of MRAG committee added another standout to the gallery’s collection, acquiring Prettier When You Smile by finalist Indeah Clark—an artist of Biripi, Worimi and Wonnarua heritage known for integrating pop culture with socially charged themes.

Also featured in the exhibition are works by Aidan Gageler, Alessia Sakoff, Claire Paul, Brigitte Beyer, Genevieve Graham, James Rhodes, Lexie Worboys and Nikola Jokanovic. The Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship Exhibition is on display at Maitland Regional Art Gallery until Sunday, 15 June 2025. More details can be found at mait.city/BrendaCloutenExhibition2025.