Archibald Prize Visit is a Winner

The Archibald Prize is Australia’s favourite art award. So it’s not surprising that it’s also a favourite event for independent living residents at Mayflower Brighton.

More than 20 residents and their friends boarded the luxury bus in late October for our annual visit to the Archibald Prize exhibition, held at the Geelong Gallery.

Prestigious and controversial, the Archibald Prize is awarded to the best portrait painting of a notable Australian. It’s a who’s who of Australian culture, with subjects including politicians, celebrities, sporting heroes, and artists.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and attendees were happy to find many familiar faces amongst the 57 finalist works, including musician Courtney Barnett, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, actor Guy Pearce (People’s Choice Winner) and legendary rocker Jimmy Barnes (Packing Room Prize Winner).

But with the exhibition held in one venue but spread across two galleries, it was hungry work. Fortunately, everything was taken care of and appetites were appeased by a delicious two course lunch at the Geelong Yacht Club, including some rather decadent scones with jam and cream.