THE recent Artisan Store Fremantle art awards were all about showcasing WA talent.

And it was a rip-roaring success, celebrating a diverse range of artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, textile artists and jewellery makers.

“They were fantastic, it was so hard to choose a favourite,” organiser Rowena Mitchell says.

The architect-turned-jeweller opened The Artisan Store on High Street three years ago, after becoming frustrated with selling works via third parties.

“Astronomical commissions of more than 50 per cent make works unsellable,” she says.

Andrew Taylor’s Epitaph. Photo by Jo Ward

The Artisan Store sells only WA works, many from the Fremantle area, and there’s no commission, just a weekly fee based on shelf space needed.

Mitchell says Eastern States artists tend to get more attention and the Artisan Store awards are a welcome shot in the arm for locals.

“We have amazing artists…and their talent goes unrecognised.”

At the awards, Kimberley Pace won a gong for her textile work Sticky and Julia Andrijasevich’s Shame was highly commended.

Photography was taken out by Ricky Gestro, with Jo Ward runner up.

Kandinsky snagged the jewellery top gong for Peta Garnaut: “A really beautiful piece,” Mitchell says.

Sally Brown, Haydn Wheeler and Felicity Peters were runners up with their jewellery pieces.

Andrew Taylor snagged the 3D sculpture section with Epitaph, and Michael Davis was highly commended.

Elmari Steyn’s Umbra won the 2D painting/drawing category and Andy Kent was runner-up.

The TASF art awards are on display at 135 High Street, Fremantle until May 27.

by JENNY D’ANGER