Seeing the Soul
Hoofbeats Sanctuary Art Prize and Exhibition
A charitable event in support of mental health
Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a mental health charity on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The sanctuary is a safe, restorative space that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – women and girls living with mental health challenges resulting from trauma. Equine therapy programs are a key part of our work.
Our community is currently facing a mental health crisis. Demand for program places is growing rapidly and we are currently unable to keep up with that demand. We need to train more program facilitators and to offer more program places. A significant funding boost is required to achieve that.
Seeing the Soul is a major fundraising initiative to support and promote the Sanctuary’s work by celebrating and showcasing art. The second exhibition was held at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre from 12 April to 12 May 2024.
The theme for 2024 was Seeing The Soul: The Human-Animal Connection. Works featuring any animal and their human were eligible, not just horses.
Winners were be selected from 84 artworks by 49 artists by judges Nina Shadforth (Sunshine Coast Art Collection Curator, Caloundra Regional Gallery), Megan Williams (Manager, University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery) and Steve Clarke (Branch Manager, Bendigo Community Bank Cooroy). The winners were announced during our exhibition opening event on Saturday, April 13th.
All artworks are for sale – click here to see the works in the exhibition and to buy your favourite work, or alternatively visit our 2024 collection on the Hoofbeats Sanctuary website.
All money raised will go to supporting mental health programs at Hoofbeats Sanctuary.
Congratulations to our 2024 Winners
Major Prize – $2500
Jo Hawkins – Unconditional
Runner Up – $1500
Ellie Sutton – Little Bird
Highly Commended – $1500
Jasmine Veronique – Innocent Harmony
Under 18s – $500
Ellenie Faith Kirkman – Kindred Spirits
People’s Choice – $500
Brianna Campbell – In Your Arms
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With Thanks to Our Sponsors
Gold Partner
For the second year, Cooroy Bendigo Community Bank is the major sponsor of Seeing the Soul.
They also purchased the stunning sculpture, Sense of Belonging 2 by local artist Julie Field and donated it to us to be the first prize in our fundraising raffle. Steve Clarke, Branch Manager, said he was proud to provide banking and sponsorship support to Hoofbeats Sanctuary.
Sponsoring the art prize and exhibition is one way we help Barb Blashki and her incredible team with their work supporting women and children impacted by trauma, which is vital for the Sunshine Coast region.
Visit the website for more information about Cooroy Bendigo Bendigo Community Bank.
Silver Partner
Not only has Penny Neep sponsored Seeing the Soul exhibition, but she also makes a monthly contribution to the Sanctuary and sponsored last year’s Mega Market.
I’m delighted to offer regular financial help to the Sanctuary – enabling the team to continue the wonderful programs they provide and to care for the incredible horses that assist in supporting women and girls with their mental health recovery.
Visit pennyneeprealestate.com for more information about Penny Neep Real Estate.
Bronze Partner
Minor Partners
Supported by
Anna Bidgood Holistic Health, Blooms of Noosa, CLEAR, Dan Purdie MP, Herbert Restaurant Noosa, Ikatan Spa, Jungle & Co, Noosa Chocolate Factory, Pottery for the Planet, Power of the Breath, RACV, Sacred Sound Wellness, Seasons IGA Cooroy, Stella Fitness, TEPUY, TH7 Body Labs, The Creative Frog, The Yogapod Sydney, Verve Noosa, Village Yoga Coolum, Wolf & Lion Co.