Record prize money for this year’s Rotary Art Show

THE annual Bacchus Marsh Rotary Art Show returns for the 53rd time over the King’s Birthday weekend with a record $12,000 in prizemoney on offer.

The prizemoney includes $2000 each for the best oil painting and the best water colour, courtesy of benefactor Diana Gibson. This year’s show, which is the oldest of its type in regional Victoria, will feature expert judges from the National Gallery of Victoria, assistant curators Imogen Mallia-Valjan (International Decorative Arts and Design) and Anna Honan (Contemporary Art).

Show chairman Peter Shilton said hundreds of voluntary hours go into preparing for the show, with all proceeds from sales going back to the community.

“We support a lot of stuff – locally, nationally and we’ve (also) got an international project in Vietnam at the moment,” he said.

“The cheapest artwork we’ve got is (around) $170 and the most expensive would be about $5000, and locals especially get a real thrill out of coming to see their work (on display).”

Mr Shilton said the gala opening in particular is a great social occasion.

“I came to town in 1983 and in my first year someone told me, ‘Oh, you should go to the art show opening night’,” he remembered.

“We went along and met so many people, so it was the beginning of our social life in Bacchus Marsh.

“It’s a really great night – I can’t recommend it highly enough, especially if you’re new in town.”

The show takes place at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall from Saturday 7 June to Monday 9 June. The opening and awards presentation will be on Friday 6 June from 7pm to 10pm.