Organisers of the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award said 14 Illawarra artists were among the 74 finalists, selected from more than 500 entries received from around the nation.

The winner of the non-acquisitive prize is to be announced at the Project Contemporary Artspace on November 10; the finalists’ paintings will remain on exhibition at the gallery until December 9.

Formerly homed at Coffs Harbour, the prize beneficiary Dr Mal Eutick wanted a change of venue and was a “big fan” of the South Coast.

Curator Dr Leigh Summers said the Illawarra seemed like a perfect location because of its rich artist residency, the community’s appreciation for the arts and its proximity to Sydney.

Dr Summers will judge this year’s award along with critic and art historian John McDonald and Wollongong Art Gallery director John Monteleone.

Contemporary still life painting has shattered the traditional stereotypes of flower and fruit arrangements of 16th century Europe to now encompass a more diverse range.

“Criteria we’d be looking for is excellence in any field of still life as long as it’s a painting. So it can be highly abstract or hyper real or impressionist and everything in between,” Dr Summers said.

The prestigious award began 11 years ago after the curator met the pharmaceutical CEO, Dr Eutick, whom made known he was looking for a way to assist the arts – Dr Summers suggested an art prize.

Dr Eutick generously funded the inaugural award in 2006 and instituted the prize in memory of his parents Lillian and Malvin.

Project Contemporary Gallery will host a ticketed concert event following the awards on opening night with performances from pianist and composer Elena Kats-Chernin and opera singer Amelia Farrugia. 

Previous EMSLA winners over the past ten years include Sam Leach, Laurie Massuto, Angus Nivison, Pam Tippett, Jonathan Crowther and Emily Ferretti.

EMSLA 2017 opens at Project Contemporary Art Space, Keira Street in Wollongong, Friday November 10 at 6pm, Concert 8pm – tickets $40+ booking fee via www.eventbrite.com.au