Record number of entries possible for art show

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Bendigo are hard at work organising submissions for this year’s Bendigo Easter Art Show, with the number of entries looking like they’ll match last year’s record amount.

Over 900 pieces went on display last year and program chair Graeme Clarke said a range of factors have led to an increase in entries over the years.

“I’ll just say the artists are typically slow to respond,” he said. “But now because of the internet and the way you can submit via an online platform we tend to get a more even spread of submissions than we used to.

“It used to be 80 percent would arrive in the last week.”

Mr Clarke said last year’s number of submissions could be beaten this year.

“The numbers are looking pretty good,” he said. “We are about level pegging with where we thought we would be.

“Last year we ended up with a record number of entries, at nearly the 1000 mark, whereas five or six years ago we were at 700, so it’s growing.”

The growth in artwork being entered is also being matched by an increase in quality Mr Clarke said, in part due to the reach of the show today.

“We are getting artwork from much further out these days, as far as Western Australia and Queensland,” he said.

“So, we are seeing a diversity of styles and the quality has come up and it’s a much better experience for the patrons who come out.

“The quality of entries so far this year has been absolutely superb.”

The community art show and sales will be held at Bendigo Town Hall across the Easter long weekend and sees one in three attendees walk out the door having made a purchase.

To enter the Rotary Club of Bendigo’s Easter Art Show, or get more info, head to bendigoartshow.com.au.