New director to judge fair
Horsham Regional Art Gallery director Jane Scott will judge the 44th annual Wimmera Art Fair later this year.
Rotary Club of Horsham East, busy preparing for the event in Horsham Town Hall from April 5 to 10, has confirmed Ms Scott will have the job of casting a critical eye over what organisers predict will be a diversity of entries.
Art fair co-ordinator Peter Robertson said Ms Scott had more than 30 years of experience in the arts and cultural relations and had worked in regional and city museums and art galleries.
“We have always enjoyed a longtime partnership with Horsham Regional Art Gallery, which has supported the art fair. Jane has also shown such enthusiasm for this event,” he said.
Mr Robertson said committee planning for the event built on from schemes last year to create a COVIDSAFE environment.
“They proved remarkably successful,” he said.
Rotary club president Pam Clarke said the art fair had always been dynamic, endeavouring to meet community needs, encouraging regional artists and promoting all forms of art in the Wimmera.
“The Wimmera Art Fair is a long-established event and I feel proud that the club continues its perpetuity,” she said.
Organisers are encouraging artists from across the Wimmera and beyond to enter their work and apart from sales opportunities, be eligible for major prizes.
Artwork judged best work in fair will win an artist $750, best bay in fair $500 and people’s choice, $250.
Artists keen to register, enter works or find out more information about this year’s Wimmera Art Fair can visit website www.hreartfair.com, social media Facebook page Horsham East Rotary Art Fair or call Gary Green on 0428 821 213. Artists can enter work in all mediums.
Ms Scott said the art fair provided an opportunity for experienced and emerging artists and makers to showcase their artwork to new and old audiences.
“The Rotary Wimmera Art Fair brings excitement and reward to our local artists and is a great resource for those wanting to see who’s making what and where local trends and designs are heading,” she said.
The event generates money for Rotary charities and has again attracted
major sponsors. BCH Accountants are major sponsors and principal Dallas Landwehr said his firm was proud to provide the support.
“I didn’t have to think twice when the invitation arrived,” he said.
“Our business enjoys supporting local
talent in the Wimmera and we know the funds raised is reinvested into local community projects.”
The Rotary club has also acknowledged community support, revealing the fair had raised more than $160,000.
It invested $20,000 back to the community last year despite COVID-19 restrictions.
Public entry to the fair is $5 and opening times are Tuesday, April 5, noon to 4pm; April 6 to April 9, 10am to 4pm; and April 10, 10am to 3pm.