Although the Altona Pier is only a new addition to the coastal suburb, it has already become an iconic part of its heritage.
Which is why the Louis Joel Gallery decided to host the Altona Pier Revue Art Prize showcasing the work of talented individuals from the west.
One of such individual is Lan Pagliaro, who won the Wild Card Award prize for her response to the Altona Pier, its history, its redevelopment, and its future.
As a self-proclaimed emerging artist , Ms Pagliaro said she is thrilled to have won this “unexpected” award.
“I was not happy with it when I first completed it and even finished it two days before it had to be submitted, so I definitely didn’t expect to win,” she said.
Hoping to capture the essence of the beach, Ms Pagliaro created a thermal sensor piece to capture the energy of being at the beach.
“That’s what you see in the yellows and the reds and having the pier in the background.”
The Wild Card Award was created through sponsorships by Simpson Constructions and Tom Simpson who built the pier.
Louis Joel said Mr Simpson approached them in awe and appreciation of the local community as people shared their attachment, interest and fondness for Altona and the pier.
Simpson Constructions offered an additional sponsorship for prizes for three highly commended in each category, the peoples choice and the additional wild card award.
Ms Pagliaro received a certificate and $500 for her win.
The exhibition will run at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre until Thursday, May 16.
