Celebrating 30 years of talented kids

To celebrate the 30th annual B’nai B’rith Jewish Youth Art Competition prize-giving ceremony, the Glen Eira City Council Gallery was filled with energy and excitement on July 20, as students, families, educators and art lovers gathered.

This year’s exhibition was the largest and most diverse in the event’s three-decade history, showcasing over 250 artworks submitted by more than 180 Jewish artists in years 6 to 12 from 18 schools including, for the first time, interstate school entrants. There was a surge in participation from students at state schools, highlighting the growing reach of the competition.

The exhibition featured a vibrant collection of works across painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and mixed media.

B’nai B’rith Victoria CEO Ellana Aarons and MC at the awards ceremony stated that “a total of 50 prizes were awarded across multiple age groups and artistic categories, reflecting B’nai B’rith’s commitment to nurturing and recognising the creative talents of young Jewish artists.”

Among the top honours: The Morrie Gold Prize for Overall Winner was awarded to 13-year-old Amelia Griffin; the Community Bank Bendigo Bank Caulfield Park Award for Overall Runner-Up went to Milo Friedman; the Thalia Hakin Memorial Prize, presented by David Southwick MP on behalf of the Gandel Foundation, awarded for the best artwork across years 6 and 7, was awarded to Toby Lopata and the People’s Choice Award went to Esther Bruce with more than 1400 votes.