Plainland student take top prizes in Art Awards

Cody Ingram’s unique artistic vision has landed him in the spotlight.
The Plainland student was recently honoured by the Independent Education Union, Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards Cody’s artwork was among more than 600 entries received across all age groups in response to the 2024 theme of ‘Growing Up
Cody Ingram from Sophia College, Plainland topped the Years 7 and 8 category with his artwork, titled Growing Up with Big Brother.
Art and Design Awards reviewer Pete Whittred said Cody’s piece was provocative and well-handled, involving a variety of materials.
“A story composition and thoughtful approach to the theme, dealing with the changes we have all seen in recent years as the cities grow up around us,” Pete said.
In addition to receiving an Award of Excellence, Cody was honoured with the Harriet Hunter Memorial Award, established in memory of a gifted student whose life was tragically taken in the 1999 South-East Queensland floods.
The Harriet Hunter Memorial Award winner is selected from all highly commended and Award of Excellence entries across Pre-school to Year 12 and was reviewed by Adrian and Sue Hunter.
Adrian said Growing Up with Big Brother was fresh and humorous in its interpretation of the theme.
“It is a narrative about survival – the magpie features like a totem, confident, alert and adapting to a challenging futuristic landscape, demonstrating the same qualities a young person might need growing up today,” Adrian said.
“This concept has been skilfully expressed through the composition and the handling of the medium,” he said.
Congratulations must also be given to Khloe Blake, another student at Sophia College in Plainland, who received a Highly Commended Award in the First Nations art category for her entry.