EVERY year in September artists put their best works forward for the Ritchies Boonah Arts Festival awards.
The festival is an eight-day arts festival all about promoting the cultural heart of the community. The festival is presented by the Boonah and District Cultural Foundation and sponsored by Ritchies Supa IGA and supported by the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
It provides an opportunity for everyone to display their talent in the fields of art, writing, fashion, theatre, debating and craft.
The festival includes a vibrant and inclusive program of community events designed to inspire and showcase the local talent in performing and visual arts.

This year the festival included events such as the Great Comedy Debate, Sip and Paint, Bling That Thing, a mix media Workshop, the Youth Showcase and to end the program the Awards and Fashion Night.
The awards night saw an event full of dazzling outfits, shimmering gowns and amazing creations.
The highlight of the evening being the presentation of the winners of the Fashion, Art and Writing Awards.
The awards were presented by the Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen and this year several Ipswich artists shone at the event.
Artist Denise Taylor won the painting section with a highly commended to Glen Smith, Grant Quinn won the photography section and a highly commended to Ann Window.
Ann Window also received a highly commended in mix media.

Abigail Lawrence won second in Works on Paper, Toni McIsaac won second in 3D sculpture and Andrea Baumert Howard received a highly commended.
Carole Kompenhans won second in Wearable Art with Toni McIsaac and Jacquie Keeble also receiving a highly commended in the fashion categories. Art in Action success.
The Ipswich Galvanized Festival is the city’s festival of heritage, showcasing the best heritage experiences and events Ipswich has to offer.
Artsconnect Ipswich and the Ipswich Art Society collaborated for the first time to host an event to transport people back in time by visiting this iconic Old Ipswich Courthouse where Gary Broadhurst took them on a tour of this iconic building.

Artists and want to be artists were treated with the experience of life drawing using models from the Qld Colonial Association who dressed up in period style costumes and posed for photos and to be captured in drawings.
To add to the experience visitors were also entertained by the fabulous talent of Sue Moore (Sue and Friends) Music with Molly and the magical sounds of the Miner Chords.
The acoustics in this old building made the singing and music feel like it was speaking directly to your heart and soul.
Still life stations were set up using old wares where anyone could have a go at creating a work of art to take home as a memento of their visit.
This event was made possible due to Artsconnect receiving a Grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund provided by Ipswich City Council and the Qld Government.

