By DANIELLE GALVIN
ART in Cardinia shire is flourishing and the revitalised Yakkerboo Art Show is no exception.
On opening night last Friday, there were 200 people who came out for the show at the Pakenham Hall.
President of the show Jillian Ronald said the support on opening night led into a great weekend of local art.
“My show highlights were the introduction of sculpture and the amazing standard of the local artists,” she said.
“Over the weekend there was such a great friendly atmosphere.
“Cassandra Hill gave a fascinating demonstration on the making of glass beads on Saturday and Clinton Ploughman ran a Cartooning for Kids workshop on Sunday.”
Ms Ronald said the show was “awesome” and the standard of art was incredible.
She thanked the committee and artists for their support of the long-running show.
“So many volunteers worked very hard to put this event together,” she said.
“I cannot thank them enough.
“I would like to make a special mention of the South Eastern Contemporary Artist Network who helped with every aspect of the show.”
The new community sponsorship aspect of the show was a “great success” and Ms Ronald said her concerns that artists would not sell many works was unfounded and they sold more paintings this year than ever before.
She said the community sponsorship encouraged people to buy paintings and the participating businesses were also enthusiastic about taking on the role of judging and choosing their favourite artist.
“The committee believe art should be interactive, diverse, fun and present in our everyday lives,” Ms Ronald said.
“We wanted everyone to feel part of the show, so all our Devonshire tea tables where covered in white paper.
“Adults and children used the crayons provided to contribute fantastic drawings.”
Ms Ronald said she was delighted with the show and quoted from the visitor’s book, where one attendee wrote that it was an awesome night, with great paintings and it was “very inspiring.”
“That just about sums up everything I was hoping for,” she said.
This year the people’s choice award was increased to $500 and was generously sponsored by the Pakenham Racing Club.
The award was won by Jo-Anne Seberry with her moving portrait of her father.
Ms Ronald said it was easy to see why this pastel painting was the people’s choice as it shows the warmth and love Jo-Ann feels for her dad, who is battling cancer.
She painted the portrait while he was receiving treatment.
“It is my way of showing my gratitude and love for a father that has raised seven children,” Ms Seberry said.
Local artist Jenni Ivins won the Innovation Award worth $1000.
It was presented for four of her works – a bronze sculpture, a watercolour, and a couple of her trademark mind drawings, including one in mixed media on brown paper.
She entered both the sculpture and contemporary sections at Yakkerboo – with the contemporary section receiving a third more contemporary entries than in any other year.
In awarding Ms Ivins with the Innovation Award, judges commended her use of a wide range of materials and her unique drawing style.
Her current exhibition at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Mind Drawing, has been extended for an extra week following her triumph at Yakkerboo.
