Art show celebrates belated birthday

THE Pyrenees Art Exhibition is returning this Queen’s Birthday weekend after a two-year hiatus.

With previous iterations cancelled three times, the exhibition will ring in its 15th anniversary from Friday, 10 June to Monday, 13 June at Beaufort’s Shire Hall.

With about 430 paintings on display from about 100 artists, the exhibition’s coordinator Morris Trainor said their “loyal band of artists” have been holding out since before the pandemic.

“We get people from all over, from Queensland, New South Wales. We cover all mediums of paint too from watercolour to pastel to acrylic. It’s daunting actually,” he said.

“Everyone’s been very patient across our cancellations, and they’re quite broad works. I think everyone really deserves this after what we’ve been through over the last two years.”

Each entry has been judged by Melbourne artist Greg Jorgenson, who will reveal the winning works on opening night.

Across several categories and a popular vote, the artist of the top painting will win $700 while $250 will be awarded to the runner-up.

The majority of the works will vary in topic, but Mr Trainor said about 30 grouped paintings will share the theme of “a taste of freedom” that celebrates the easing of COVID restrictions.

A raffle painting will be provided, donated by artist Christopher Lamb, and Mr Trainor said the exhibition will serve as a victory lap for Beaufort.

“There’s so many things happening on that weekend like the car show and Art Trax that Beaufort becomes a real buzz,” he said.

“Just coming out of COVID and letting people get out and about again, it’s going to be a real shot in the arm for the town.”

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday, and 10am to 2pm on the Monday.

General entry is $10 and under 16s free, opening night and weekend passes are $25 with supper and wine provided.