Talented Tennant Creek artist Dion Beasley has won the Charles Darwin University Arts Award at the NT Young Achiever Awards 2010.
Dion was presented with the award by CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover at the awards dinner at the Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin at the weekend.
Professor Glover said Dion was an inspiration and his passion for art was evident in his work.
“Rarely do you meet people who have achieved so much through adversity as Dion,” he said. “He is truly a deserving recipient of this year’s Charles Darwin University Arts Award.”
The annual Young Achiever Awards encourages the positive achievements of young Territorians, while the Arts Award celebrates the creative practices of young people.
Dion lives in Tennant Creek. He suffers from muscular dystrophy and is profoundly hearing impaired. Dion has evolved his love for drawing from paper to t-shirts, leading him to create the clothing label Cheeky Dog, which has received national recognition. He has also exhibited his work in galleries throughout Australia.
As winner of the Charles Darwin University Arts Award, Dion received a $2000 cheque from TIO and a trophy.