WOMEN were celebrated for their creative expressions on Thursday night.
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Their etchings, paintings, sculptures, drawings and needlework were praised for interpretations of this year's South West International Women's Day Art Prize theme.
'To Be' was the theme of the competition.
Event judge, Director of the Canberra National Portrait Gallery Karen Quinlan said it allowed an opportunity for women to simply decide on "what it means to just be".
The event attracted almost 60 people through the doors of the F Project Gallery.
Overall winner Colac artist Alison McIntosh took home top prize of $4000 with her oil painting 'Never Alone'.
"This painting is in response to talking with women in an aged care facility," Mrs McIntosh said.
"These women had lives. They survived world wars, the depression and struggles they learnt to endure.
"Now they may feel invisible and some are almost blind but their stories still have hope and optimism.
"It is important they are not forgotten."
Emerging talent winner 20 year-old Morgan Ross won $2000 for her etching entitled 'Survivor'.
"My artwork is about physical abuse and the emotional consequences," she said.
"I think it's important women recognise they are strong and can have new beginnings."
Women's Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive Emma Mahony said the event kicked off a day of celebration.
"International Women's Day is a time of celebrating women," she said.
"Of all that we bring, of all that we do.
"The path to equality is all about celebrating and recognising women.
"There's no one that has to become lesser on that road, it's all about us having more opportunity,"
Ms Mahony said the event should act as a catalyst for a new conversation.
"Our role is to make change for women," she said.
"We strive for gender balance and taking action for equality."
#BalanceforBetter