The winner of the Hunter TAFE Foundation 2020 Carol Duval Memorial Award for Painting was announced earlier this month, granting a deserving TAFE NSW Hunter Street student $1,000 in prize money.
Kathryn Lean was awarded the prize after being judged by a panel of four against 17 other finalists.
She is studying a Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW and will graduate later this year.
Kathryn said she was delighted to have won the award and plans to put the money towards further education in the arts.
“I didn’t see myself going on to study an Advanced Diploma when I started my studies, but I have enjoyed my time at TAFE NSW so much and learnt more than I thought I could,” she said.
“My teachers have been unbelievably supportive. This prize money is going to go a long way in assisting me to further my education.
“I wasn’t expecting to win considering the standard of work which all the other finalists submitted. My inspiration was finding beauty in the mundane which I think the pandemic has taught many people to do this year.”
The Carol Duval Memorial Award is generously provided by the Duval family, in memory of Carol Duval, a former fine arts teacher at TAFE NSW Hunter Street.
The award provides support and encouragement to an outstanding student who is currently enrolled in the Diploma of Visual Art (Painting) or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.
Hunter TAFE Foundation President, Gary Webb said that thanks to the good nature of donor partners, they’ve been able to showcase and assist some of TAFE NSW’ most talented students over time.
“Over the past 20 years the Hunter TAFE Foundation, through the generosity of our donor partners, has contributed significant financial assistance to local students to assist them with their TAFE NSW studies,” he said.
“The Carol Duval Award gives students a head start on their career in fine arts. The award recognizes and celebrates the recipients’ resilience, determination, and commitment to further education.
“A big congratulations to Kathryn, she is a deserving recipient.”
IMAGE | Carol Duval Award Judges – David Trout, Michael Bell, Bidie Watt and Dallas Bray (left-right).
