Late Bunbury Catholic College Art Extraordinaire founder Ria Bignell recognised with award in her honour

The legacy of the late founder of a Bunbury fundraising art exhibition will live on with a new award named in her honour. The first Ria Bignell Award was handed out at the opening night of the Bunbury Catholic College Art Extraordinaire on Friday, with Diana Neggo the inaugural recipient for her work Koombana Bay III. Neggo’s work was selected by the children of Mrs Bignell, who started the exhibition at her home more than four decades ago to raise funds and died earlier this year. After the exhibition relocated from her home to the school which it raises funds for, she became the artist-in-residence and showcased her skills during each of the opening weekends. Organising committee chair Tina Manning paid tribute to the event’s founder on Friday. “Approximately 42 years ago, Ria Bignell was inspired to create an exhibition that allowed artists from this region the opportunity to exhibit their work,” she said. “Last year we did not know it would be her last year with us. “We celebrate Ria’s legacy with absolute gratitude to the years of service to the Art Extraordinaire and the wider community.” The award was not the only way Mrs Bignell’s legacy was honoured, with a stall being set up at the event where she traditionally made her works as artist-in-residence. Bunbury Catholic College principal Michael Pepper said the school was proud to host the annual exhibition, which this year featured 460 pieces of art from 120 different artists. “It is a credit to all of the artists exhibiting here from the South West and further afield,” he said. Mr Pepper said the event was a major fundraiser for the school’s parents and friends committee, with funds going towards providing opportunities and amenities to students. “Most importantly, it supports our teen mental health first aid and resilience project programs, which are wellbeing programs for our students at BCC,” he said. A fundraising auction was held on the opening night, with a number of works — including an original 1988 piece from Mrs Bignell — going under the hammer. Her painting was bought by Mr Pepper, with the auction raising $2900. The exhibition closed on Sunday.