The Bendemeer Art Show is set to open its 40th anniversary ‘Colours of Autumn’ event with a record number of entries and record prizes for the winners.
Art Show secretary, Liz Baiocchi, said this year’s generous prizes along with the show’s collaboration with the Tamworth Camera Club had drawn the large number of entries.
“Our Major Sponsor this year is the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub, and we are very grateful to have their generous support.”
“We also have many other generous sponsors this year and this means we have been able to substantially increase the prize money we have on offer for all sections,” she said.
The major Whole of Show prize is worth $4,000 with other prizes range from $500-$1,000 and junior section prizes of $50.
“We have also re-introduced the ‘Barbara Hooke Memorial Prize for Drawing’ this year,” Ms Baiocchi said.
“Barbara Hooke was a local artist who, along with her husband Robert was heavily involved in the art show many years ago. Barbara and Robert were tragically killed in a car accident several years ago.”
“Our talented treasurer, Kerry Brown, has created a beautiful plaque using wood from underneath the Bendemeer Town hall to honour this prize.”
Visitors to the show are up for prizes too –– artists from the Blue Mountains group Three Sisters for Arts Sake have donated a beautiful ceramic bowl and a painting for lucky door prizes.
The exhibition entries will be judged by sculptor Stephen King and landscape artist Julia Griffin of Walcha, and photographer Andrew Pearson from Tamworth.
Last year’s winning entry was a painting titled ‘Baroque Sunrise’ by Janna Hayes. The artist is now concentrating on her first solo exhibition, having been encouraged to continue her work after last year’s win.
The art show includes craft items such as china painting, textiles, pottery, photography, decorative art, 3D works and junior entries.
The ‘Colours of Autumn’ exhibition runs from 10am-4pm, 2-5 May, at the Bendemeer Town Hall.
Winners will be announced at the gala opening night from 6.30pm on May 3, with champagne and canapés. There are still a few tickets left for the evening which has been a sell-out every year.
Further information at bendemeerartshow.org.
Top image: Last year’s Colours of Autumn major prizewinner, ‘Barokee Sunrise’ by Janna Hayes.
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