Community
13 June, 2024
Rave reviews for local art
THE 2024 Mortlake Art Show has enjoyed one of its best years yet, according to elated volunteers as hundreds of visitors gushed at the warm community feel of the event.
Mortlake Art Show convenor Cassandra Ellis said the weekend had proved a success with 165 individual entries this year, an increase from last year’s 105.
There were around 400 visitors over the weekend, who purchased 25 pieces and assorted merchandise such as cards.
“It’s been fabulous,” Ms Ellis said.
“It’s just a pleasure to host, our volunteers are just so sensational and so enthusiastic.
“The comments have been really positive, with a lot of feedback regarding the diversity of artworks.
“One comment was there had been a lot more colour than in previous years, and I don’t know if that’s indicative of people coming back out of the COVID-19 rut, but looking at the colour and the vibrancy is wonderful.”
The weekend started with the return of the Gala Opening Night on Friday.
Ms Ellis said attendees enjoyed a soirée feel as they danced and dined their way into the late hours of the night thanks to local music and catering.
“It was sensational,” she said.
“We had ‘Paint and Suffering’ as our band, and catering by The Streeterie, both of which were fantastic.
“We had over 50 people, which is about our limit for the building, and it went well into the night with a lot of enjoyment.”
The 2024 Mortlake Art Show ran for three days across the long weekend, with no shortage of visitors praising the expanded range of artwork which has been featured.
Ms Ellis said the new addition of photography had proven a hit with artists and patrons alike, in addition to an expansion of 3D textile art.
“The photography has just exploded,” she said.
“People are loving having photography on display, so that has been a really successful addition to our portfolio of awards.”
Ms Ellis said visitors from across the region had flocked to Mortlake to enjoy both the art show and the Country Women’s Association South Western Group 2024 Creative Arts Exhibition, which was held across the road.
“The whole feeling this year is it’s a real community event,” she said.
“We’ve had people from everywhere – mostly local – but some from Melbourne and even one from Hobart.
“People were so relaxed and chatting with each other, and that’s the vibe we’ve always strived for.
“It’s not just stuffy or daunting – it’s comfortable for visitors and exhibitors alike, for people who have the bravery to exhibit their art for the first time.”
Awards at the 2024 Mortlake Art Show went to:
Best in show – ‘Last flight of the muttonbirds.’
Emerging Artist – Megan Wendt (14) for ‘Sunset on the Hopkins at Ellerslie.’
Photography – ‘Evening showers’ by Heidi Wane.
Packers’ Choice – ‘Where to?’ by Rod Cameron (painting).
People’s Choice – ‘Skies over the Western district’ by Peter Rooke (photography).
