Having brought art to the Cardinia Shire for over 40 years, Art Show Pakenham is now addressing social issues as well, featuring a special recycled category this year.
Last year’s special category was Pakenham Portraits.
“It was hugely popular,“ said Art Show Pakenham president Jillian Ronald.
“There were a lot of entries and the public reaction was great. We’re hoping that this year’s category proves just as popular.“
One local looking forward to this new category is mixed media artist Annette Slattery.
Having worked in the past with everything from used bottle tops to old water heaters, Ms Slattery’s latest piece features hundreds of discarded socks.
“I’ve been collecting socks from family and friends for a while now,” she said.
“I like using materials that we throw out in large numbers. The effect of replicating a disposable item in great numbers appeals to me both aesthetically and conceptually.“
The fact that Ms Slattery’s sculpture takes the form of a tree is telling.
“Recycled art reflects our modern society,” Ms Ronald said. “I think it’s a great feature of art that, beyond its visual appeal, it can speak about contemporary issues”.
Art Show Pakenham is at the Pakenham Hall, corner of John and Henry streets, from 26-27 May, with Opening Night at 7pm on Friday 26 May and general viewing on 27-28 May.
