THE Portia Geach Memorial Award is one of the most coveted prizes for Australian female portraitists, and Griffith's very own Anthea da Silva has been named a finalist.
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Ms da Silva has earned herself an impressive reputation among the arts community, becoming renowned across the country as a leading portraitist.
"I'm very honoured, it's very humbling," Ms da Silva said.
"My career has been more about teaching and giving opportunities than going for the big one, but I don't mind, it's a lovely honour."
Anthea worked closely with local Wiradjuri artist Veronica Collins to create her contender piece.
Ms da Silva said she was highly impressed by Veronica, wanting to celebrate her work, her achievements and the Murrumbidgee as a whole.
"I met Veronica when I first came to town a few years ago," Ms da Silva said.
"I've positioned Veronica in a bit of a blank canvas, I think she's still going to achieve so much more.
"She's got paintbrush in hand, and the background is a misty Murrumbidgee area, which I find really empowering."
Ms Collins was recently commissioned to paint a mural at the Griffith Regional Theatre, creatively styling the amphitheatre in a distinctive way.
The talented local was also part of the Each For Equal exhibition held at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery in March, with several of her pieces on display.
"When I approached Veronica, unlike some artists, she was very honoured but she was also very confident," Ms da Silva explained.
"She worked out what she needed to say, she knew how to use her time to get straight to the point of her work."
The Portia Geach Memorial Award will run from August 14 to September 20.
The winner will be awarded $30,000 for best capturing the life of a distinguished Australian man or woman.
Griffith's art community have banded together and are wishing Anthea the best of luck with her incredible achievement.
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