Kilmore Art Expo celebrated the work of artists during its weekend event at Kilmore Soldiers Memorial Hall. Pictured is Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell president Steve Ansell with artist Jacinta Stevens in front of her artwork ‘In Light of Our Differences’.

By Colin MacGillivray

ORGANISERS of Kilmore Art Expo and Kilmore Regional Busking Championships are thrilled after a record-breaking weekend.

Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell operate both the art expo and busking championships on the same weekend each year and encouraging patrons to visit both events.

Expo director Andrea Willis said a record number of artworks sold across all three mediums of painting, sculpture and photography.

“There was a diverse field of entries within the show,” she said.

“We were very happy with the number of entries that we got, and we got some very well-known artists from the metropolitan area as well as a lot of local artists.

“The only thing that could have been improved was that we didn’t get as many entries in the youth section, so we’ll definitely make some efforts with local schools for next year.”

Cheryl Eve, member of Kilmore Art Society who co-organise the art expo, said the expo exceeded all previous records for sales and attendance.

“There was a lot of high-fiving going on in the room from all the volunteers,” she said.

“The standard of the art was so high. We had artists from New South Wales entering, so it’s becoming a real attraction for the whole area.”

Classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta performs at the opening night of the Kilmore Art Expo on Friday before taking part in Saturday’s busking championships.
Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell president Steve Ansell, artist Jacinta Stevens and her mother, Mitchell Shire councillor Fiona Stevens.
From left, Daniel Cozzolino, daughter Chiara and wife Belle in front of Chiara’s painting of a panda.
Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell president Steve Ansell addresses Kilmore Art Expo attendees while Alejandro Aguanta plays his guitar in the background.
Kilmore Art Expo attracted record crowds and sales in 2022.
Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell members, from left, George Katsimbas, Steph Doyle and Jenny MacDougal help out with the art expo’s raffle.
Shakeisha Bau with her photograph titled ‘Serenity’, which won the expo’s best secondary photograph 13-18 years category.
Epping artist Sarah Fenech with her painting of lavender titled ‘The Senses’.
Steve Ansell
Kilmore Art Expo best watercolour winner Ray Rattenbury with his artwork ‘Kangaroo Fern’.

Busking coordinator Rose King said she was also thrilled with Saturday’s championships.

Nearly 30 entries showcased a range of street performances, including belly dancer Aleesha Oriental who received a $1000 prize as winner of the open section.

“Busking is about street performance, not just music. She is a fabulous entertainer. She engages people and dances with them. She’s great with kids,” she said.

“The judges had a tough time, because it was very close for a lot of people.

“We had a fantastic day and every time we do it I see so many happy, smiling people on the street. It’s lovely.”

Liv Brereton belts out a tune during Saturday’s Kilmore Regional Busking Championships
Amelia Vlasveld finished second in the people’s choice award.
Presley Davis Jr keeps onlookers entertained with his banjo at the Mill Street Mall. He finished third in the open category.
Charlotte shows her appreciation for band Friends of Ours by dropping a people’s choice award token in their bucket.
Classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta is always a fan favourite and finished second in the open category at the Kilmore Regional Busking Championships.
Tony Gill’s act Breed finished as a runner-up in the open category.
Holly-Mae picked up an encouragement award as well as being a runner-up in the secondary category.
Wayne Bateman is all smiles as he strums on his guitar at Saturday’s Kilmore Regional Busking Championships.
Sam Tucker performs at Mill Street
Colourful performer The Beurologist with Jasmine O’Connor, middle, and Sarah Dexter.
John Curran got people dancing with his energetic performance at the Kilmore Regional Busking Championships and was an open section runner-up.
A busking championships patron dances to the music of John Curran.

Award winners in the Kilmore Art Expo were: best painting, Kasey Sealy; native Australian wildlife painting, Beryl Gay; oil painting, Walter Magilton; watercolour, Ray Rattenbury; pastel, Helen Miles; acrylic, Jayne Henderson; any other medium, Vida Pearson; local Kilmore content, Richard Chamerski; small treasure, Carolyn Marrone; youth primary 6-12 years, Isla Mondon; youth secondary 13-18 years Eleanor Jones; highly commended, Gayle Newcombe, Glenn Hoyle and Ben Winspear; best photograph, Geoff Colson, highly commended, Colin MacGillivray; wildlife photograph, Jordynne Wilkie; local photograph, Ian Wilson; youth photography primary 6-12 years, William Charles; youth photography secondary 13-18 years, Shakeisha Bau; best sculpture, Gillian Govan; moulded exhibit, Peter Revelman; assembled exhibit, Daryl Owen; people’s choice, Ben Winspear.

Award winners in the Kilmore Regional Busking Championships were: 1st primary, Jack Gregory; 1st secondary, Gryff; 2nd secondary, Friends of Ours; 3rd secondary, Amelia Vlasveld; secondary runners-up, Sam Tucker, Radiotherapy, Jake Hanney, Holly-Mae; 1st open, Aleesha Oriental; 2nd open, Alejandro Aguanta; 3rd open, Presley Davis Jnr; open runners-up, Joe Casino, John Curran; Breed; judges award – poetry, The Beurologist; perseverance award, Liv Brereton; country award, Andrew Hume; blues award, Papa Jomo; encouragement awards, Moonglow, King of Smooth, Wayne Bateman, Naeve & Brad, Brothers in Dub, Holly-Mae, Zoe Ray; 1st people’s choice, Friends of Ours; 2nd people’s choice, Amelia Vlasveld; 3rd people’s choice, Gryff.