Anniversary art show a winner

MORE than 500 people visited the Heathcote Artists 20th Anniversary Art Show over the King’s Birthday weekend.

Twenty-seven artworks were sold, representing over 20 percent of the works on show.

“The majority of sales went to Heathcote town and district locals,” said secretary Fiona Hanlon.

“After all the work setting up the show, we were very pleased with the result.

“Particularly at the Opening Night Preview there was a strong community theme with people who may not have seen each other for a while, catching up and chatting over the artworks.

“The community aspect continued over Saturday, Sunday and Monday with members of the local community expressing delight when discovering a work by a friend or neighbour they did not realise had an artistic life alongside the day to day.

“Some locals came to seek out work of favourite local artists they have collected over the years.

“Other attendees were thrilled to find the artist whose work they were buying or that had delighted them was the person serving on the Art Desk.

“Selfies with artists were being taken with the joy and enthusiasm usually reserved for selfies with pop stars and footballers.”

Heathcote Tourism and Development president Peter Young welcomed visitors to the Opening Night Preview and thanked sponsors.

He acknowledged the founding members and praised the efforts of all members for their Volunteer-driven commitment to fostering creativity.

The exhibition contained work by both current and former members of Heathcote Artists.

Independent art judge Terry Jarvis – who runs the Forest Gallery in the Wellsford Forest near Bendigo with his wife Michelle – announced the winners of the different categories.

Best Pastel was ‘Lost and Found’ by Karen Macartney, Best Watercolour was Iris by Maureen Runge, Best Acrylic was Canola Fields by Irene Majer, Best Oil was Heathcote District by Peter Bowes, and Best Other Medium was It’s all About the Scarf, a charcoal drawing by Cheryl Eve.

Overall Best in Show was Life in the Centre by Helen Miles, a pastel work evoking the atmosphere and colours of central Australia.

The People’s Choice Award went to Irene Majer for Boulders Six a mixed medium work.

“While Irene’s work was the clear winner, a wide range of artworks attracted votes for People’s Choice demonstrating that the art show included works covering a range of styles and subjects,” said Hanlon.

“Feedback on the quality of the works in the show was very high, and pride was expressed that a small town like Heathcote could produce so many high-quality works.

“The combination of wineries in the foyer and art in the hall proved beneficial for both.”

The principal and Platinum sponsor was the Costerfield Mine Sponsorship Program, Alkane Resources.

Gold sponsors were Pizzeria Montana, Heathcote Pharmacy, Fodders, Todd Property and Juniper Lounge.

Silver sponsors were Showtime Customs and Fabrication, Skilly’s Tyre and Auto, Connally’s Real Estate and A & S Bier Motors.