Five decades of showcasing art

The Friday before the annual art show officially opens to the public, is called the ‘Gala Opening Night’, for good reason.

A huge crowd packed into the Public Hall, to get first dibs on buying some artwork, at the 51st Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh Art Exhibition and Sale.

Run over the King’s Birthday long weekend, over 505 pieces of art were on display. The artwork mediums included oils, water colours, photographs, sculptures and more.

This year’s judge was Sophie Prince, Curatorial Project Officer Australian and First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria.

“It is a real pleasure to take in all the unique pieces that are lovingly created,” she said on opening night.

“There is beautiful detail, such talent in the area and a lot of inspiring works.”

Co-Chair of the Art Show Committee, Ian Cabrié said the annual art show is popular event for all the community.

“It is a very necessary and popular fundraiser for our Rotary club, with those funds raised going back into the local community and projects.”

The artwork is not only local but comes from all over Victoria and neighbouring states.

Mr Cabrié said the list of supporting organisations and individuals is a long one.

“We are most grateful for the continuing patronage of our sponsor Diana Gibson and other award sponsors that include Moorabool Shire Council, the Community Bank, Arbee Real Estate, Grow West and MPs Michaela Settle and Sam Rae.”

The artworks for sale are many and varied, both in price and style, some asking $2600 down to $85.

Moorabool Mayor Cr Rod Ward chose two pieces for the Shire art collection.

“It was a difficult choice with such a huge display of works,” he said.

“When I looked through Council’s own existing collection, we didn’t have one of the Bacchus Marsh streetscapes and, Nimmons bridge, located near Scarsdale, has always appealed to me.”

The latter was judged Best Photograph, taking out First Prize for Elizabeth Thompson.

Local artist Janice Webster painted the water colour, ‘Main Street Afternoon Light’.

The Bacchus Marsh Art Show is among the oldest regional art shows in Victoria.