Locals showcased in new exhibition

RECOGNISABLE and much-loved faces from across the Glenelg Shire will be celebrated in a new exhibition opening this week at the Portland Arts Centre.

Ron Penrose: Portecology launches on Friday 10 July at 5.30pm and features a series of portraits showcasing local personalities nominated by the community.

The exhibition follows a community callout last year inviting residents to nominate local identities to be immortalised on canvas by renowned portrait artist Ron Penrose. Nearly 30 nominations were received, with 13 local personalities ultimately selected for the one-of-a-kind exhibition.

“I expect that visitors to the exhibition will be inspired by those who have been included in this series,” reflected Ron Penrose.

“[They will see] people they may know, but have not realised they impact they have upon the community. I want to hold them up and let people know of their invaluable contributions – I am hoping their spirit and personality has come out in my portraits.”

Collection Management Coordinator Agostina Hawkins said the exhibition was a fitting tribute to the people who help make the region special.

“This is more than an art exhibition, it’s a celebration of the people who make the Glenelg Shire special. Ron has spent several months painting portraits of many local legends and we’re excited to finally share these incredible works with the community,” she said.

Before dedicating himself to portrait painting, Penrose worked as a sheep farmer in rural Victoria. Since retiring in 2010, he has been painting full-time and has exhibited throughout the region, including at the Hamilton Gallery.

Ron Penrose: Portecology exhibition will be on display from 10 July to 28 August 2026.

Community members will also have the opportunity to meet Ron and learn more about the portraiture process during An Afternoon with Ron on Saturday 1 August from 1.30pm at the Portland Arts Centre. Attendees can watch the artist at work, ask questions, and even try painting a portrait themselves under his expert guidance.

For more information, visit the Portland Arts Centre website.