Visual Arts tutor selected for prestigious award

Rachael Addis and paintings

Rachael Addis’ painting ‘Cooee’ up for Art Gemini Prize.

A Visual Arts tutor at UCEN Manchester has been shortlisted for a prestigious arts award.

Rachael Addis, who’s been teaching Visual Arts at UCEN Manchester and The Manchester College for 15 years, has been selected for the Art Gemini prize thanks to her stunning, Aboriginal-inspired painting, ‘Cooee’.

Speaking about being shortlisted, Rachael said: “It feels absolutely fantastic! To win would feel wonderful, gaining such amazing recognition as an artist

“I am an abstract painter and allow the process of mark making to form the inspiration for my work. In this painting "Cooee", I spent countless hours applying dots to the surface of the canvas in a meditative way. Aboriginal art was a major inspiration for this painting. In total, the painting took me over a month to create in between teaching and parenting.

“My colleagues and students are really supportive. I started painting seriously again two years ago and am beginning to establish myself as a professional artist. I couldn't have done it without their support.”

From 896 entries, Rachael has made the final 30 and now needs your votes to win the award.