250 artworks on show

THE Yakkerboo Art Show was held over the weekend and the event went off without a hitch. Around 250 artworks from artists across the shire and the country were presented at the show.
The show was officially opened on Friday evening by the shire’s newest councillor, Graeme Moore. Cr Moore, who has been heavily involved with the art show as a volunteer for more than 10 years, was able to speak from the heart about the importance of the event and the quality of the exhibits.
Yakkerboo committee President Christine Young thanked her committee and volunteers.
“It really is a weight off my mind to know that the team behind the show is so dedicated and passionate about staging a high-quality show,” she said.
“I believe an event such as this draws together a wide array of community members who contribute in so many different ways. People donate money, they donate time or they participate in the show by exhibiting or attending and appreciating the show over the weekend.
“Special thanks needs to go to our primary sponsor the Shire of Cardinia and our newest volunteers Rachael, Rosemary, Michael, Katelyn, and Sue.”
About 400 people visited the exhibition over the weekend, with art enthusiasts buying 27 of the exhibits.
“We sold about $10,000 worth of art, which included three works that cost in excess of $1000 each,” Ms Young said.
“But we also sold nine paintings that only cost about $50 each.”
The majority of paintings sold cost between $60 and $400. The sale of these works also earned the art show committee $2500 in commission, which will contribute to the staging of next year’s show.
Ms Young said she was pleased with the quality of this year’s judge, Casey-based artist Janet Matthews.
“The comments she outlined about each winning piece were relevant and insightful, without being too technical or long-winded,” she said.
“She certainly deepened my appreciation of the winning artworks.”
Some 28 different paintings were voted for in the People’s Choice award, and the winner was Elena Kolotusha for her works ‘Andalusian’ and ‘Cat and Feather’, which received equal votes. She was also awarded the Glenn Madden Local Artist award for her painting ‘You and Me’.
Landscape winners were: gold to ‘High Summer’ by Walter Magilton, silver to ‘Freemantle Blue’ by Geoff Sargeant and bronze to ‘Hillside, Jamieson’ by Glenn Hoyle.
Still Life Flora and Fauna winners were: gold to ‘Hydrangeas’ by Rosemary Todman Parrant, silver to ‘Galahs’ by Betty Pritchard and bronze to ‘Swan Family’ by Jan Long.
Portraiture winners were: gold to ‘The Waitress’ by Lorraine Lewitzka, silver to ‘The Blue Dress’ by Walter Magilton and bronze to ‘Irish Sideburn’ by Joel Magpayo.
Contemporary winners were: gold to ‘Kings Canyon’ by Jennifer Koch, silver to ‘Rhythm and Blues’ by Lorraine Lewitzka and bronze to ‘Grampian Falls’ by Betty Pritchard.
The Cardinia Shire sponsors the gold Prizes and Living Learning Pakenham sponsors the People’s Choice award.