General News
15 June, 2022
Mortlake Art Show draws strong crowds
THE 2022 Mortlake Art Show gave organisers the first taste of normality since the pandemic arrived, with more than 200 visitors turning out to view 77 pieces of exhibited works.
THE 2022 Mortlake Art Show gave organisers the first taste of normality since the pandemic arrived, with more than 200 visitors turning out to view 77 pieces of exhibited works.
Artwork on display was comprised of works which had been created since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Victoria, highlighting what had inspired westerndistrict artists.
Mortlake Art Show co-convener Cassandra Ellis said she was “thrilled” to see attendance across the long weekend reminiscent of pre-COVID shows.
“It was really good and people just seemed to have a smile on their face, which probably made this the most normal experience I’ve had in the last few years” she said.
“We had people travelling from as far away as Melbourne but the majority were local people from the region."
“I think the most exciting feedback we received was people know the art show is on on every year, it’s become part of the calendar now with a lot of repeat visitors."
“That was our main aim; just keeping the art show in people’s memories as we got through COVID, but it’s growing with visitors from all over the western district and everybody knows this is going to be held.”
Ms Ellis said a diverse range of artists from across the western district had provided an edge to the exhibition, with a little something for everyone on display.
“We’re very lucky to have a good database of prospective artists, which we’ve built since 2015 when we first introduced the art show,” she said.
“From there it has really expanded through the community."
“An exciting aspect of the event’s growth has been seeing some of our younger artists develop both in their art and confidence."
“We also draw a lot of people who are retired or semi-retired, and have been wanting to learn for a long time and have a goal to aim for with the opportunity to display their work to the public.”
The Mortlake Art Show trialled a People’s Choice Award this year, with those viewing the exhibition given the opportunity to vote on their favourite piece.
Artist Caitlin Martin was awarded the People’s Choice Award for her “Murray River” acrylic painting.
The People’s Choice Youth Award was taken home by Letitia Howat for her “Willaura Fields” acrylic painting.
“Everyone from kids to adults really enjoyed having the opportunity to pick their favourite,” Ms Ellis said.
“I think it helped to create a great sense of involvement, and it will be something we definitely look to continue moving forward.”
