The Weston Art Show will return this year after a break in 2014, and organisers are hoping it’s the best one yet.
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The art show took a hiatus last year after 50 consecutive years.
The 51st edition will open on Tuesday night at Weston Civic Centre, with 274 paintings entered by 90 artists.
The Anglican Parish of Mount Vincent and Weston has teamed up with Towns With Heart to facilitate this year’s art show.
Organisers are hoping that a new look at the Weston Civic Centre, combined with valuable help from Cessnock City Council and an eager response from artists, could see this show being the most successful.
“We believe we are set to have a wonderful show this year,” art show secretary Pam Menzies said.
“For a start, Cessnock City Council has increased it grants to the show to $3500 now, compared to the $2000 we received from them previously.
“This means our major award selected from nearly all the paintings will be worth $2000 and our regional art prize will be $1500.”
Ms. Menzies also paid tribute to Di Stackpool, who previously worked at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and whose expertise had led to Weston Civic Centre being revamped for the for the art show.
“This year, people will be able to step back to see the paintings better – we thought everything was a little too crowded before,” Ms. Menzies said.
“It is all very exciting and the response from the public and from artists has been most encouraging.
“The new environment at Weston Civic Centre should be a pleasant surprise.”
Towns With Heart is providing administration and volunteer support for the event.
“Towns With Heart recognises that the Weston Art Show is an important community and cultural event for our area,” community projects manager Lesley Morris said
“We are pleased to be able to assist the parish in the organisation of this wonderful event.
“This year’s Weston Art Show looks like it will once again be a great success.”
Paintings to be exhibited must be delivered at the centre this Sunday between 10am and 3pm.
The artists’ work will be judged on Monday.
The show will open on Tuesday, June 30 at 7pm. Tickets to the opening night are $15 and can be bought from Ms. Menzies (call 0432 652 836 or email pamela.c.menzies@gmail.com for details).
The art show will be open for public viewing from Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 4, from 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday (adults $5, children free).
