CONGRATULATIONS to Canberra artist Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, who was announced as  winner of the $5,000 Wollotuka Acquisitive Art Prize (“WAAP”) 2012 Major Prize at the official launch held at the University of Newcastle Gallery last night.

Martiniello’s work, entitled “Fish Scoops,” was inspired by traditional woven fish scoops, but reinterpreted into hot blown glass works that pay tribute to the survival of the oldest living weaving practices in the world.

Canberraglass-watchers will be familiar with Martiniello’s works of similar inspiration, developed since she began taking classes at The Canberra Glassworks back in 2007-8 for  a project called “IndigiGlass08.”

Her work was exhibited in the Ranamok Glass Prize exhibition which closed yesterday at the Glassworks.

The launch of WAAP 2012 was a celebration of Indigenous art, culture and cuisine with a fusion bush tucker cocktail service provided by Aboriginal entrepreneur and Head Chef, Daniel Fitzsimmons of Alleyway Expresso, and complimented by entertainment from Sydney-based blues, jazz and funk singer/songwriter Marcus Corowa.

The WAAP 2012 exhibition continues at the University of Newcastle Gallery until September 29, after which it will travel to the Central Coast for exhibition at The Entrance Gallery from October 12-27.