Over the Melbourne Cup Weekend the Birchip Community Leisure Centre was transformed into a vibrant gallery space, featuring an impressive range of two hundred and twenty pieces of artwork and sculptures from almost sixty artists from around Australia.

The biennial event brought together the Birchip P-12 school community, residents, ex-residents, families, artists and visitors to celebrate art, culture and individual expression in a positive and healthy environment that was vibrant and enjoyable. 

In rural communities like Birchip, art shows and cultural events offer far more than just entertainment. They play a fundamental role in enhancing community identity, fostering social connections and enriching rural life.

Opening
The event kicked off with a Gala Opening on Friday night, where guests enjoyed perusing the art while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by School Council President Tim McClelland, and his team of school councillors and Birchip P-12 staff and drinks from the bar.

The formalities included a warm welcome from School Council Principal Mr Andrew Sayle, who thanked the artists for their contributions and provided a long list of thank yous to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including judge Hop Dac.

Hop Dac is an esteemed artist in the Geelong region and has connections to Birchip through the Rickard family, and he had the challenging task of evaluating the works and awarding recognition to standout pieces. Hop said, “the task was very difficult because art is so personal, everyone has their own favourites and there was so much talent on display.”

Although attendance on the opening night was lower than in previous years, the attendance over the weekend was up. It seems people were keen to enjoy the relaxed day time atmosphere, mingling with friends and neighbours, while they discussed their favourite pieces and savoured a selection of scones, cakes, and light lunches provided by Kristy Knights and the Birchip P-12 School hospitality students.

Dedication
The social atmosphere throughout the whole weekend was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Birchip P-12 School Art Show Committee, including Andrew Sayle, John Richmond, Catherine Lowry, Robyn Ferrier, Sharee Dobson, Maureen Donnellon, Angela Liston and Simone Christie, who meticulously planned every detail to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

The committee were thrilled with the response by the artists and the attendees. Twenty-five per cent of the art work was sold, which is a great result for the artists and the Birchip P-12 school as 20% of sales are retained by the School for the school’s library, art and cultural programs, promising enriching initiatives in the year ahead.

The committee extends their gratitude to the local sponsors, guest judge, Hop Dac, the Charlton Show Committee for lending art stands, and to John Ferrier, John Richmond and Russell Christie for transporting the stands to and from Charlton. 

Artists note that having pickup and delivery points around Victoria is very important in their ability to exhibit at the Birchip Art Show, and the committee are very grateful to all who offered their homes to receive the art and those who transported it to and from Birchip.

Providing a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their work helps them to be rewarded for their commitment and gain recognition, but it also inspires others. 

A highlight of the art show was seeing the large number of young people attending and appreciating the artists’ talents and perspectives. 

Exposing young people in Birchip to the diverse ideas, various art forms, creative processes and cultural expressions is enriching and empowering, especially for those who have artistic talents.  Hopefully, the younger attendees have been inspired to continue to explore and develop their passion and artistic interests by the artists, including Naomi McKenzie (formerly Ferrier), Angela Lowerson (formerly Dillon), and Belinda Woods, who are all former students of Birchip P-12 School.

Some of the younger visitors were also pleasantly surprised to see their art teacher Mr McMaster exhibiting work!

Even for those who don’t consider themselves an artist, art can have a therapeutic effect and help people feel connected and uplifted. Eight community members and artists participated in an “arty addition” on Saturday morning with visiting artist Catherine Biker from Indigo Art Studios. The attendees enjoyed their watercolour session and took home some creative master pieces that may or may not make the lounge room wall. 

In rural communities where resources for diverse entertainment and social gatherings can be limited, cultural events like the art show are pivotal and through the collective effort of organisers, volunteers, and supporters, the Birchip P-12 School Art Show proved once again the power of art, to bring people together and to make a positive impact.

Winning Exhibits 2024

Best in exhibition: “Feeling Fluffy” by Megan Lonsdale sponsored by Buloke Shire Council and the Glen family in memory of Margaret.

Best Oil: “In the backyard” by George Kendall sponsored by Andrew Sayle.

Best Watercolour: “Red-Brown Finches” by Lyn Cooke sponsored by Ian and Anne McClelland.

Best Digital Art: “View from the Rockefella” by Anna Fay sponsored by the Gibbins family in memory of Josephine and Leo Gibbins.

Best Acrylic: “The Sage Awakening” by Helen Heywood sponsored by John and Robyn Ferrier.

Best local exhibit: “Rolling the Tank” by Peter Carmichael sponsored by Lee Family in memory of Frances and Edwin Lee.

Best Other Medium: “Luscious Loquats”, by Leonie Auhl, sponsored by Catherine Bijker Inigo Art Studio.

Best photography: “Aged Beauty”, by Leonie Auhl, sponsored by Cathy and Paul Lowry.

The People’s Choice: “Goanforit” by Col Brown, sponsored by the Dean Family.

Packing Room Prize: “Random Thoughts” by Josie Lowerson, sponsored by Sharp’s Bakery.

First Prize Raffle sponsored by Hop Dac and John and Christine Richmond won by Lucy McLoughlan, and second prize sponsored by Squire’s Winery in Rutherglen won by Jenny Hogan.