By KATH GANNAWAY
THE call is out for artists to get serious about securing a place in the 2015 Yarra Glen Biennial Art Show.
The show will be held over the Labour Day weekend, 6 to 9 March.
In 2013, more than 500 individual exhibits by some 200 visual artists and sculptors transformed the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall into a gallery that attracted more than 3500 visitors.
The show has become a major community event for the Yarra Valley since it started in marquees in the heart of Yarra Glen over Easter in 2002.
Over the years it has been staged at wonderful venues including the barn at Yering Station, Balgownie Estate Winery and Allowyn Gardens and moved to the Labour Day weekend.
It’s back at the Memorial Hall this year, something that appeals to Steels Creek artist and art show committee member Ivan Filsell.
Ivan’s more serious affair of the art started when he retired about 10 years ago, and he has been a regular exhibitor.
“I have always drawn, but in the past it’s been engineering drawing, so to come to free-hand art is a bit of a change,” he said as he worked alongside other members of the art group at Steels Creek Community Centre on a draft for his next linocut.
He said the show strongly encouraged and supported the involvement of local artists as well as attracted artists from other areas ensuring a balance to the program.
“The limit of two works per artist ensures we don’t get anyone dominating and there is good diversity in the show,” he said.
Chairman and fellow Steels Creek artist Malcolm Calder is also a show veteran.
“A feature of our shows has been the great diversity and high quality of paintings offered, from contemporary abstract to traditional landscape, photo realist and impressionist,” he said.
“During the show, the hall becomes a busy arts hub.
“Outside, there is plenty of space for parking and the children’s playground in McKenzie Reserve creates the ideal family area for visiting the hall and enjoying this central Yarra Glen area.”
Mr Calder encouraged artists to visit the art show website www.yarraglenartshow.com.au , or email info@yarraglenartshow.com.au for more information and to enter online.
