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.”
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.”
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.
