Entries open for Shire of Morawa Art Awards and Exhibition with late photographer Tony Tropiano honoured

Professional and amateurs are encouraged to enter the biennial Morawa Art Awards and Exhibition, after two new award categories were launched in a tribute to a local photographer. Morawa-born Tony (Antonio) Tropiano, 67, was a gifted photographer and medical professional who took pride in capturing the Mid West’s beauty. He died in April. Tropiano was raised on the family’s wheat and sheep farm and discovered photography and developing film during his last two years at Geraldton Senior High School. His passion for photography led him to transform a space at a Perth college — where he studied his medical degree — into his very own darkroom and utilised his skills to help supplement his student income. Each summer, Tropiano returned to his home roots to work on the CBH wheat bins, keeping him connected to his farming background. While the hobby photographer went on to live in the Peel region as a successful GP obstetrician, delivering more than 3000 babies, he was always drawn back to the Mid West. He was known for visiting his home town at different times of the year to photograph the spring flowers, and capture the patterns of seeding and harvesting. Tropiano actively contributed to the local photography community and was dedicated to nurturing emerging talent in young photographers. To recognise his dedication, the shire teamed with the Tropiano family to establish two award categories to honour him as part of the 9th Biennial Morawa Art Awards and Exhibition in August. The opening night and awards ceremony will be held on Friday, August 9 and the artworks will be on display until Sunday, August 18. The Tony Tropiano Photography Award invites entries from West Australian photographers, both professional and amateur, for photos taken post-August 2022. The Tropiano Family Emerging Photographer Award is open to aspiring photographers aged 15-21 from the Mid West region, whether they reside in the area or travel to attend school or college. These awards offer prizes of $1000 and $500 respectively. Shire president Karren Chappel said she could not think of a better tribute than to name a photography award in Tropiano’s memory. “Tony was a much-loved member of the Morawa community. His passion for his hometown is evident in his beautiful work, much of which the Shire of Morawa has been fortunate enough to feature and enjoy for many years,” she said. “We are pleased to accept entries for the inaugural Tony Tropiano Photography Award as part of this year’s Morawa Art Awards and Exhibition, where we expect to host over 300 works of art across various mediums, including photography.” Entries close on Friday, June 28. For more information, visit the shire website.