By Jesse Graham
The Yarra Glen Art Show is just around the corner, with hundreds of artworks from experienced and emerging artists to be displayed over the Labour Day long weekend.
The art show will run from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 11 to Monday 13 March, featuring works from more than 125 artists from the Yarra Valley and beyond.
Co-ordinator Debra Traill said this year’s show would include live art performances and a yet-to-be-announced “community engagement activity”, as well as art in many different media.
“We’ve opened it up to photography and textiles as well, as long as the textiles is art, not craft – so we’ve got a bit of a mix this year,” she said.
“There are a lot more artists putting in two entries, compared to one.
“What we have encouraged with this show in particular is a lot of new artists – new, emerging and experienced artists entered, and it’s been great that we’ve been able to get a lot of new people that have taken the plunge.”
Judge, artist and teacher, Margaret McLoughin said that “good composition and technical skill” would be important criteria for entrants.
Her 2015 piece, Sutherland Estate – a painting depicting a view of Yarra Glen and the valley from Sutherland Estate winery – will be on display throughout the show, along with an expected 300 pieces from the various artists.
“When I paint, it’s not just the landscape, it’s the narrative,” she said.
“These are the animals and birds I encounter on a daily basis … and because we went through the fires, I always depict my gum trees as red, because everything was red and burned and when you look at the new growth in the late afternoon, it always has the reddish tints.”
Awards in the show include the Founders’ Award for Best in Show, Best Oil/Acrylic Work, Best Work on Paper, Best Three Dimensional, Young Artist and People’s Choice.
Winners will be announced at the show’s opening night on Friday 10 March.
For more information about the show, visit www.yarraglenartshow.com.au
