On Tuesday 13 August, Yamaji Art’s Gemma Merritt was announced as runner up for the 2013 SKA Art Prize for her piece, Orien’s Belt at the official opening of the SEEING STARS exhibition in Melbourne.

On show at the Yarra Gallery in historic Federation Square, the SEEING STARS exhibition is made up of the finalists in the open and junior categories of the award.

The SKA Art Prize was an open call to all artists to create a piece of work with either of the themes of: the birth of stars and galaxies, the mysteries of dark energy, alien life, the genius of Einstein, and the giant magnetic fields of space.

Yamaji Art was honoured to have two artists announced as semi finalists with Barbara Merritt’s Milky Way also in the semi finals.

Gemma Merritt, was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the reception announcing the winners thanks to sponsorship of travel and accommodation from Radio MAMA.

Gemma Merritt’s prize was a beautiful glass trophy and $1500. The grand prize was $3000.

Gemma was very excited to be able to win such a coveted prize and wanted to express graditute to all who voted for her.