Michael Caton portrait takes out Archibald Packing Room Prize

Michael Caton

At a media function at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, long time head packer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales Steve Peters has announced that French born artist Bruno Jean Grasswill’s portrait of leading Australian actor Michael Caton as the winner of this years’ Packing Room Prize. Mr Grasswill received $1500 prize money.

Peters told the media gathered that he saw  Grasswills’ portrait on the first day that paintings were received at the Gallery and knew straight away that it would be a strong contender for the Prize- ‘it was loud, looked very bright and more importantly it looked just like MIchael Caton.’

Michael Caton was on hand to say a few words. Wittily he congratulated the Gallery’s packing staff for their excellent taste.

The Gallery advises that this year 832 Archibald, 653 Wynne and 518 Sulman entries have been received.

The winners of the Archibald Prize, the Wynne Prize, the Sulman Prize will all be announced at the Gallery on midday on the 17th July. The winner of the Young Archies prize will be announced on the 22nd August.

For more information visit the Gallery’s official website on http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/