“WE have got some really good artists exhibiting. There is a lot of local entries.”
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Exhibition secretary Helga Visser said the 40th Taree Open Art Exhibition, which starts this weekend, is shaping up to be a big celebration of the Manning Valley.
“Because it is the 40th anniversary we have a special theme for section four (any medium), called Manning Valley – People, Nature, Heritage and Spirit.”
“Judging by the title it will be quite a celebration of the area.”
The now defunct Greater Taree City Council supported the event, by donating $500 towards the prize for that section.
The organisers, Taree Artists, have received close to 400 entries, including drawings, paintings, miniatures and sculptures from across New South Wales and Queensland.
A big portion come from the Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester regions.
This week, dedicated Taree Artists volunteers spent two days preparing the exhibition in readiness for judge Trevor Weekes, who will view the entries tomorrow (Friday July 8).
Trevor is an artist and senior lecturer at Newcastle University who exhibits regularly in both solo and group exhibitions across Australia.
His art practice embraces many disciplines, specifically drawing, painting, sculpture, artists book production and, more recently, animation, making him well qualified for the role.
Taree Open is the only major, unselected annual art prize held in the Manning Valley and attracts entries of all styles and mediums.
“It’s nice to see so many different ideas,” said Helga.
There are sections for paintings, drawings, miniatures, 3-D works and a People’s Choice Award.
To celebrate the anniversary, overall prize money was increased to $7500, with the major prize winner receiving $1500.
All the exhibiting works will be for sale and part of the sales commission is donated to a local organisation.
The official opening is on at Taree High School hall this Friday, July 8.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the prize presentation to start at 7.30pm.
Principal of Taree High School Allison Alliston will conduct the official opening.
Entry is $10 and includes light refreshments.
Members of the public are invited to come along to the opening, or anytime during the exhibition period, which runs between July 9 and 17 from 9am to 4pm daily (2pm on July 17).
“Last year 1200 people came through and we are hoping to reach more people this year,” said Helga.
Following the official opening, entry into the exhibition is free.
Everyone who visits will be asked to vote for their favourite work in the People’s Choice Award.
The exhibition is made possible by the sponsorship and support of many companies and individuals.