Art show makes 45th return

By Owen Sinclair

Feb 28, 2025

Exhibition committee chair Chris Sutton, judge Thel Cardwell and Rotary Club of Numurkah president Julie Andrew with the 2024 Best in Show award winner “Macquarie River” by Kasey Sealy. Photo by Contributed

What is the secret to almost 50 years of showcasing the best of the Goulburn Valley’s art and craft?

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For the organisers behind the annual Numurkah Art & Craft Exhibition, it’s the chance to promote the work of artists from the local area and beyond.

From Numurkah to South Australia, Queensland, NSW and around Victoria, an array of creatives have submitted work for display at the upcoming Numurkah Art & Craft Exhibition.

Committee chair Chris Sutton said organisers were encouraged by entries by local artists as well as those further abroad.

“I think we’re fortunate to have a strong region of artists. I think that’s developing, and we still continue to have support from artists further afield,” she said.

Ms Sutton said volunteers had put significant effort in to getting the exhibition ready.

“It’s a much-loved event for the club, for our club, but I think it is a much-loved event in the community as well,” she said.

“I’m really pleased that we’re going from strength to strength.”

In a first for the event, and coinciding with the 150-year milestone since the town was gazetted, the committee has teamed up with the Numurkah Historical Society to provide guests the chance to soak up a little local history.

The President’s Room, for instance, will display paintings gifted to the society over the years.

Ms Sutton added that it is always exciting to see what the artists bring each year.

The Numurkah Art & Craft Exhibition will return for its 45th year. Photo by Contributed

“You see their skills growing every year, so it’s exciting to see their work come along,” she said.

“They say that we run our show professionally. We take pride in the way we display the exhibits, and we know that we’re working for the artists as well.

“So I guess it's the quality of the work that you get, and how you present it.

“We’ve had local people who don’t think they’re up to the standard... but then they end up selling things, and they’re blown away.”

Artist Glenda Cornell will judge the art submissions, while Fiona Carruthers will judge craft submissions. The judge for photography submissions will be Dr Doug Spowart.

There is a range of prizes up for grabs:

Painting

Best in Show ($1500)
Runner-up ($500)
Highly Commended in watercolour, oil, pastel and acrylic, and regional artist ($200 each)

Photography

Framed Photographic Award ($200)
Runner-up ($100)
Digital Art Award ($100)
Theme Photo “Heritage of Numurkah” Award ($100)

Craft

Best Craft Entry ($500)
Other textiles ($100)
Woodwork, Metalwork and Pottery ($100)
Quilt Award ($100)

There will also be a raffle, to be drawn after the exhibition on Monday, March 10. The winner will receive a painted ‘Doorway to Greece’ by Thel Cardwell valued at $350.

Numurkah Home Hardware and local businesses are major sponsors of the event.

Funds raised through ticket sales will go towards community projects.

The event kicks off with an official opening at 8.30pm on Friday, March 7, and ends on Monday, March 10.

Admission to the opening night is $10 per person, while tickets for the remainder of the exhibition are $5 per person.