Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize
'Wootha'
‘Wootha’ is a local Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi name for Red Cedar, a beautiful tree that grew in the subtropical rainforests which once dominated Maleny, the Blackall Ranges and much of the East Coast of Australia.
Early European settlers and timber getters who prized the Red Cedar above other species and cleared land for agriculture, were unfortunately responsible for significantly diminishing the distribution of this species. But small remaining remnants of rainforest along with the work of caring community members and Landcare groups such as Barung Landcare, has seen this beautiful timber tree and rainforest species make a comeback to the region and other areas of Eastern Australia.
Today, Red Cedar is grown and harvested in much slower and more sustainable ways.
Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize 2024
Proudly sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council and hosted by Barung Landcare, the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is the feature exhibition at the Maleny Wood Expo.
The competition showcases beautiful and sustainably crafted pieces from wood artisans and furniture makers from all over Australia.
The 2024 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is an open themed entry, inviting applicants to express themselves through their work under any of the categories of Furniture, Sculpture and Tiny Treasures.
This year we also introduce a new stand-alone prize category: ‘Evolve’, which acknowledges newer craftspeople and seasoned individuals who have dedicated a lifetime to tinkering in sheds or collaborating within wood working groups alleviating the pressure of competing against recognised professionals.
Applications are now closed. Winners will be announced May 3rd, 2024.
Artist: Guy Breay
The Maiden’s Hair
2024 Prize Categories
Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize $10,000
The overall first prize for the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is selected from any of the below three categories, and is awarded a cash prize of $10,000.
This prize is sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council.
Furniture
The Furniture category rejoices in all aspects of furniture making, traditional and contemporary, design, artistry and innovation.
This prize is sponsored by Carbatec and Barung Landcare
Prize $2,500
Sculpture
The Sculpture category will highlight carving to its fullest extent from the delicate to the robust, abstract to representational.
This prize is sponsored by Queensland Water and Landcarers and Barung Landcare
Prize $2,500
Tiny Treasures
The 'Tiny Treasures' celebrates works of smaller dimensions. It acknowledges work small in scale, but big on design and exquisite craftspersonship.
Prize $2,500
People's Choice $500
The People's Choice is awarded to any entrant in any of the above three categories. Decided over the weekend via attendees voting for their favourite pieces as they view the exhibition. Winners are announced on the final day of the Maleny Wood Expo. This prize is sponsored by Arbortech
Evolve Prize $1,000
Setting itself apart from other divisions, Evolve operates as a stand-alone prize category, alleviating the pressure of competing against recognised professionals.
Works submitted under ‘Evolve’ are not in the running for the other Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize categories.
This prize is sponsored by Maleny Art Direct.
2023 Prize Winners
Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize $10,000
2023 Winner: ‘Lautissimum’
By Derek Calderwood
Furniture
2023 Winner: ‘Stella’
By Garan Hale
Prize $2,500
Sponsored by
Sculpture
2023 Winner: ‘Lily Light’
By Robert Howard
Prize $2,500
Sponsored by
Tiny Treasures
2023 Winner: ‘Storm Boy’
By Hape Kiddle
Prize $2,500
Sponsored by
People's Choice $500
2023 Winner: ‘Cape Tribulation- Rainforest to the Reef’
By Jack Wilms
Header artwork: Jeannette M Rein
Labyrinth