Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition opening night will determine the 2023 winners at Latitude Jewellers, Geraldton

Preparation for the 12th Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition is well in progress as the gallery prepares for another year of art repurposed from debris at Abrolhos Islands. Geraldton’s Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition begins with cleaning the Abrolhos Islands and returning the debris for participants to gather. Now is the time to unveil more than 112 entrants’ final products, created over the past month, with some tough decision-making to be made by the judges on Saturday. This year’s theme is a tribute to the animal kingdom and the entrants and community are looking forward to the opening night, which will feature life-sized animals including a lion, emu and toy poodle. Founder Pia Boschetti said she had noticed people really embracing the theme this year and it was going to be tough for judges Karl Monaghan, Lynda Howitt and Marina Baker to determine the prize winners. “They’re looking out for the creativeness, the use of the materials and because of the theme tribute to the animal kingdom, some of the awards are based on that,” she said. “They’re just looking for something that creates a feeling when you look at it.” Ms Boschetti thanked the community for their continued participation in the event after 12 years. “A lot of people enter and it’s not even about winning the prizes, it’s more about enjoying the process of creation,” she said. The Flotsam and Jetsam art exhibition opening night will be held on Saturday, coinciding with the Shore Leave festival, and the exhibition will run until Saturday, May 27 at Latitude Jewellers.