Fierce bidding at Environs Kimberley Art Auction makes for huge success

Broome’s premier art event, the Environs Kimberley Annual Art Auction, was a great success this year, raising much needed funds for the conservation group and showcasing some of the most talented artists from across the Kimberley. Fierce bidding on several well-known artists’ work was all part of the fun at the Broome Convention Centre on June 24 with the auction also accepting online bidders until Sunday, July 2. Local musicians Jamie Jackett, Bex Youdale and Amber Hurley offered a stellar performance with Shane Hughes on MC duties and Chris Maher acting as auctioneer, making for a entertaining night. “Our feel-good fundraiser always offers a genuine Broome atmosphere, in large part because the community comes together to make the night a success,” Environs Kimberley chief executive Andrew Batt said. Besides bidding at the auction, there were other ways to win, with Broome Whale Watching kindly donating a Roebuck Bay Eco Tour for new members. Margaret Matthews won the art raffle fundraiser receiving a beautiful painting by gifted artist Nancy Tjungupi Carnegie. “The art auction is such a great event for the arts and conservation in the Kimberley. We couldn’t do it without the volunteers and staff, who do an enormous amount of work to pull it all together, and of course, all those who bid on the art,” Mr Batt said. The money raised from the auction goes directly to Kimberley artists and art centres, with a percentage, of the artist’s choice, retained by Environs Kimberley for its conservation work.