Central Coast Council is encouraging budding artists over 50 years of age to pick up their paintbrushes, with entries for the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Competition now open.

Now in its 36^th year, this popular art competition and exhibition is inspired by the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, who became widely famous for her evocative paintings depicting American rural life, after taking up painting in her seventies.

Council’s Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the essence of the competition is that it’s never too late to learn new skills.

“The Grandma Moses program is more than just a popular art exhibition – it is a celebration of the talents and contributions seniors make to the cultural fabric of our community and highlights continual learning and achievement for people of all ages,” she said.

With over $3000 in prize money on offer, the competition offers avenues for every artistic palette, including: Open, Watercolour, Novice, Central Coast Inspired and a special category for 50+ Leisure & Learning Centre and Senior Centre Art Group Members .

Prize-winners will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 11 September at 10.30am at the Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre, located at 217 Albany Street North, Gosford.

All entries will be on exhibition at the Centre from 11-13 September from 10.30am to 4pm.

Entrants must be aged over 50 years of age and be a resident of the Central Coast Local Government Area. Entry forms and competition guidelines are available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniors

Entries close on Friday 24 August.

ENDS

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