Thirty years on from the annual event’s beginnings, Deniliquin Rotary and Edward River Art Society (ERAS) continue working together to produce the much loved Easter Art Show.
ERAS has a long history, originally being launched 40 years ago with Molly Lewis as its first patron and Gayle Hebbard the inaugural president.
At the time, Deniliquin Council gave the society a ‘caretaker’ role for what is now the Multi Arts Centre for it’s sole use, and rent-free.
It was the society’s responsibility to maintain the hall.
“The hall became home and is still used today for the ERAS ‘Art After Dark’ program on Wednesday evenings during school term, Sunday sessions on the last Sunday of each month and workshops by visiting artists held throughout the year,” current president Louise Graham said.
“The Infocus photography group is held on the first Thursday of the month at the Baptist Church.
“The hard-working Art Show committee is strongly supported by artists, art buyers and major sponsors, and the committee agrees the show could not have continued as long and as successfully as it has without several valued sponsors.
“It is a truly community event with local organisations and countless individuals pulling it together.”
To celebrate the 30th milestone, this year’s Rotary Easter Art Show highlight will include a Deniliquin Youth Award for those between the ages of 12 to 18 years.
The inaugural award comes with a prize pool of $850.
Young artists can enter their works in any section at a reduced entry fee of $5.
This celebration of youth art is in addition to ERAS making annual donations to every school in the Edward River Council area and beyond to encourage art endeavours.
Instead of having just one guest artist, the 30th anniversary art show will feature a group of artists.
“Yarkawa Indigenous Knowledge Centre will encourage the celebration of Aboriginal creativity,” Mrs Graham said.
“This exciting initiative will see displays across the weekend of weaving, clap stick making, burning/carvings, other works and demonstrations.
“A timetable will be available for demonstrations.”
Of course, a show would not be a show without a judge.
In fact, ERAS has two guest judges this year - Southern Riverina based artist Susie Scott will judge the fine art sections while Deniliquin’s Cottongum Gallery owner Tarria Moore will judge the photography.
“Susie is looking forward to the challenge of deciding which works take home the prizes,” Mrs Graham said.
“She is a visual artist and art educator based in the Southern Riverina who is passionate about the essential role art plays in our wellbeing, and as an expression of our everyday life.
“Susie studied a Bachelor of Education in Visual Arts at Melbourne University majoring in painting, drawing printmaking and ceramics/sculpture. She has taught in local high schools, primary schools and TAFE across the border region.”
The art show will open with the traditional gala night on Thursday, April 6, and will then be open to the general public from Good Friday, April 7 to Easter Monday, April 10.
“Easter is often said to be the most beautiful time of the year in the Riverina, so don’t miss out on either viewing or purchasing a wonderful piece of artwork,” Mrs Graham said.
“Local artist Pam Wettenhall has also donated a painting for the raffle.
“Tickets for the gala event, which is a cocktail party, are $20 and can be purchased at the door on April 6, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
“This wonderful night allows you to meet artists, and view all the entries in the Multi Arts Centre in Cressy St, with music in the background provided by South West Music.”
Entry at other times is $5 per person.
The art show will be open from noon to 5pm on Good Friday, 10am to 5pm on both Easter Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to noon on Easter Monday.
Artists wishing to enter the art show can view conditions of entry, art categories and register by going to www.trybooking.com/CFJNJ. Artists may also contact Mrs Graham on 0429 841 273.
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