By Bonny Burrows
It’s become a highlight of the Cardinia arts calendar and this year’s Art Show Pakenham proved why.
The 41st annual event, formerly known as the Yakkerboo Art Festival, kicked off on 26 May with a “raucous” opening ceremony featuring dismantled body parts.
But the local police fear not, the body parts were mannequins used to display the costumes from the “very successful” wearing art parade.
Art show president Jillian Ronald described the parade, hosted by Bass MP Brian Paynter and won by Barbara Owen for her Hello Doily, creation as “the best we’ve ever had”.
“Brian was hilarious and it really made for a great celebration to start the show off,” Ms Ronald said.
The show continued over 27 and 28 May with a public exhibition and the judging of the artworks.
Committee secretary Annette Slattery said one particular category, recyclable art, proved especially popular, bringing with it “a whole new facet to the display” with its three-dimensional entries.
“There was such a depth of work and range of styles, but somehow the common thread of recyclable material really seemed to draw the pieces together,” Ms Slattery said.
“It also seems to have captured the public’s imagination, seeing what some creative minds can do with what others would consider waste.”
One entry, Big Red by Cardinia Men’s Shed’s Bill Ratten, especially caught judges Janine Good and Jacquie Nichols-Reeves eyes and won its creator the Local Artist award.
The piece was an enormous chair with the profile of a kangaroo dominating the space.
Another highlight from the weekend was the Gold Standard prize, which went to Rhonda Gray for her Sounds of Silence.
Described by judges as an “evocative piece”, it represented a girl submerged in water and was praised for its “technical prowess and expressive nature”.
Ms Ronald said all submitted work was of high standard, highlighting the shire’s vast artistic talent.
“We had great feedback about the show throughout the weekend,” Ms Ronald said.
“Overall, it was a huge success.”
2017 Art Show Pakenham winners
Gold Standard Best in Show: Rhonda Gray – Sounds of Silence.
Silver Medal: Karina Griffiths – The Believer.
Bronze Medal: Graham Dean – Untitled ii.
Century 21 Recycling: 1st, J Ronald, Fire; 2nd, Wayne Foenander – Wire Barrel Trawler.
Pakenham Racing Club Acquisitive Prize 2D: Elena Kolotusha – Green-eyed Diva.
Pakenham Op Shop Local Artist: Bill Ratten and the Cardinia Men’s Shed – Big Red.
Pakenham Op Shop Emerging Artist: Sue Robertson – Rainbow Zebra.
Highly Commended:
1. Monique Clift – Blue Srub Cudgewa.
2. Peter McClean – Determined.
3. Jenni-maree Tempest – Free the Rabbit.
4.Rosemary Todman Parrant – Ebony.
5. Aukje Van Vark – Pooped.
6. Fiona Mittag – Evening Anderson Inlet.
7. Lorraine Lewitzka – Sunhats.
8. Delores Smith – Shades of Blue.
9. Jennifer Koch – Deep Waters.
10. Calista Douglas – Simulacrum.
Wearable Art:
1. Barbara Owen – Hello Doily.
2. 168 Kay Lancashire – Voyager.
3. Norma Stack-Robertson – One of a Kind.
Sewing Connection Voucher: Fleur O’Brien – Faces in Fashion.
Lakeside Bendigo Bank Young Artist 25 and Under: Brianna Burns – Threats of Society.
CWA Young Artist 2: Isabella Ronald – Urtica Dioica 1.
Young Artist Highly Commended:
1. Sheldon Ronald – The World Of.
2. Lucy Stephens – Pug.
3. Holli Waterhouse – Lakers Fan.
4. Savannah Day – Wild Beauty.
5. Fin White – Beautiful Tree.
Youth Highly Commended Gift:
1. Lily Mayberry – My Horse.
2. Brianna Burns – Ballerina.
