Creative fun for all

THE Bacchus Marsh Rotary Art Show is back this weekend, and it’s not just brilliant art that attendees can enjoy.

This year is the 52nd iteration of the art show, which raises funds for the local community, while serving as a fantastic night out enjoying art, music, and networking.

Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh chair, Peter Shilton, said the committee had put hundreds of hours into making this year’s art show the best one yet.

“We’ve of course got some amazing artwork, a really exciting opening night with finger food, drinks, and live music from the Baccbeat Jazz Band, in a lovely warm place to be on a cold night,” Mr Shilton said.

“We’ve had 530 entries to this year’s show, with around $9,000 of prize money on offer for the artists. There are awards from the Community Bank and GrowWest, and awards for other mediums like sculptures and photography.

“The opening night tonight will be spectacular. It’s the peak social occasion for Bacchus Marsh, and a great opportunity to network.

“We get all the businesspeople around town attending on opening night, so it’s a great night to come and meet the people that run businesses around town.”

The Gala opening night will be held from 7pm to 10pm tonight, Friday 7 June, with tickets at the door priced at $40 per person.

Everything on display is for sale, with a wide range of works from welded sculpture, to collage, watercolour, ceramics, oils, and more.

Mr Shilton made sure to thank all those who support Rotary and the art show.

“A lot of businesses around the town have been very generous with their sponsorship of this event, and without their support this event wouldn’t be able to take place,” he said.

“It’s a huge amount of work for the committee. We have eleven members on the committee. It takes hundreds of hours to set up the art show.

“Our major sponsor is Diana Gibson. She’s been sponsoring this event for at least 20 years. She sponsors the major prizes; she’s been very generous.

“We also have Edwina Green from the National Gallery of Victoria as this year’s judge, and Allison Durham as an artist in residence.”

The art show will also run across Saturday, Sunday (both 10am – 5pm), and Monday (10am – 4pm), with entry $20 for families, $10 for adults, and $5 for school age children and holders of a Pension Card, DVA Card, or Healthcare Card.

Every cent raised over the weekend will go to those who need it, as the Rotarians organising the event work on a volunteer basis.

For more information, visit the Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh Facebook page, or the website at bacchusmarshrotary.org.au/art-show.