Thursday 16 March 2006

Artist Michael Mucci from Stanwell Park has been awarded the Packing Room Prize in conjunction with the 2006 Archibald Prize for his portrait of builder and television personality, Scott Cam called A working class man.

Michael Mucci and Scott Cam went to school together and met up again at a recent reunion. When he decided to enter this year's Archibald he asked Scott would he agree to be painted as Michael thought he would be an interesting person to paint.  "I've titled the painting A working class man because that is exactly how Scott likes to be known so that is exactly how I painted him," said Michael.  Scott has been a carpenter since he was 17 years old. He loves the bush, camping, sport and the beach and started working on television eight years ago on Backyard Blitz.

Michael was born in Italy in 1962 and arrived in Sydney in 1968. He has been a commercial illustrator, animator and artist.  He's been a finalist in the Blake Religious Art Prize and the Doug Moran Portrait Prize and has had solo exhibitions.

The Packing Room Prize gives the Gallery staff who receive the entries and install the exhibition the chance to vote for their favourite Archibald portrait.

This is the Gallery's head storeman, Steve Peters', 22nd Archibald Prize and his 15th Packing Room Prize. According to Steve, Michael's portrait of Scott Cam stood out for him this year.

Last year's winner was Jason Benjamin for his portrait of Bill Hunter. In addition to $500 cash, the winner will also receive a $500 Myer gift card.

Finalists for the Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes and the Photographic Portrait Prize were also announced today.

This year 787 entries were received for Archibald, 744 for the Wynne Prize, 538 for the Sulman Prize and 614 for the Photographic Portrait Prize.

www.thearchibaldprize.com.au
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

ARCHIBALD, WYNNE, SULMAN & PHOTOGRAPHIC PRIZES