Promising to be the most successful auction in its 15 year history, the 15th Annual Margaret River Art Auction didn't disappoint on Saturday night with tickets sold out and $40,000 raised during the evening.
Funds raised go to the Margaret River Independent School (MRIS).
MRIS chairperson Jessica Worrall said the success of the event would not be possible without the generous donation of artworks, the support of sponsors, and the involvement of the dedicated parent and staff.
Despite the uncertainty of COVID 19 restrictions, the auction went ahead following extensive organisation and various back-up plans.
$6000 worth of prize money was awarded to four artists on the night.
Brewhouse Margaret River's People's Choice Award of $1200 went to Mirella Prolongeau.
Britta Sorensen's piece 'Hope Island' won her the $800 Witchcliffe Ecovillage Sustainability Prize while the $1000 inaugural Packers Prize, chosen by the hard-workingv Art Auction packers and hangers, went to Emily Jackson.
Perth artist Eveline Kotai won the $3000 Margaret River Art Prize after judging took place last week by renowned local artists, Sean Atkinson and Paula Cristoffanini.
The former resident of Margaret River was awarded the top prize ahead of an impressive list of local creatives.
The judges said they were impressed by all the auction artwork on display at Margaret River HEART, and said that Kotai had created "a little gem among a lot of jewels".
"The medium of the piece, 'Silver Spirals' is a true representation of Eveline's practice," Ms Cristoffanini said.
"The viewer is barely aware of the textile as its transforms and transcends its medium."
Mr Atkinson agreed, and said the work was both subtle and complex.
"It is a small piece with such big power," he said.
Other artists who received commendations were Jenny Barr, Charlie Norton, Deanne Haddow, Karl Heussenstamm and Kay Gibson.
Kotai's 40 year art practice has included a variety of media from pastel drawing, to painting, printmaking, stitch and building-integrated art.
She said her seven years living in Margaret River in the 1980's was a formative time for her practice.
"My familiarity with the Margaret River Independent School began in the 1980's during regular Friday catch-ups with Wendy Roediger and Sandy Hohnen," she said.
"The goodness of Wendy's soul has always shone through - as has the worthiness of the Annual Art Auction to raise funds for the school. It becomes both a calendar event that people look forward to, and an opportunity for artists to showcase their art."