The 2024 Kilmore Art Expo was bigger and better than in previous years as many visitors from Victoria and interstate stopped by to view and purchase art across the weekend.
Friday’s grand opening attracted around 185 people including multiple featured artists of all ages, who had the chance to speak with the public, promote their work, and receive awards.
Supported by the Kilmore Regional Busking Championships – which featured almost 30 musicians – the Expo welcomed another 200 people on Saturday and had multiple works sold before the end of the day.
Expo director Cheryl Eve said it was a great weekend – especially for event organisers Kilmore Art Society and the Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell.
“We had many artists that hadn’t been there before for the opening night who came and had a chat with other artists, the kitchen presented the food really well and everyone seemed to leave on a high note,” she said.
“Quite a few of the youth entries sold, which was great to see. A lot of [the young artists] came with family and they were absolutely over the moon with all the hype of receiving awards.
“I think we’re putting Kilmore on the map; it was just a really great weekend. We’ve had many positive comments coming forward and a lot of new people wanting to be involved.”
Ms Eve thanked musician Grace Frost who entertained on Friday, the event’s sponsors, and all volunteers for helping the event run smoothly and creating a ‘friendly’ atmosphere.
Kilmore Art Expo winners
- Best Painting in Show: Nina Volk – Bendigo At Night
- Best Oil Painting: Fiona Bilbrough – The Blue Ribbon
- Best Watercolour: Terri MacDonald – Girl In Blue
- Best Pastel: Pierina Sannia – Detained
- Best Acrylic: Jayne Henderson – Goulburn River
- Best Any Other Medium: Vida Louise Pearson – Gang-Gang Cockatoos
- Best Digital: Pauline Ellis – Inferno
- Best Small Treasure: Yvonne De Vaile – Margaret Ollie
- Highly Commended 1: Robyn Riley – Sebastian
- Highly Commended 2: Ben Winspear – High Country Cherry Blossom
- Highly Commended 3: Linda Robinson – Babbbling Creek
- Best Photograph in Show: Amy Harkom – Shelly Beach
- Highly Commended 1: Norm Stimson – Sutton Grange
- Highly Commended 2: Damien Lewis – Jukebox Wallbox
- Outstanding Achievement: Norm Stimson – The Summoning
- Best Sculpture in Show: Aukje Van Vark – Fair Play
- Highly Commended 1: Donna Lewis – Water Lillies
- Highly Commended 2: Greta West – Local Art Show
- Youth Painting 6-9 Years: Caitlin Petrucelli – The Koala
- Youth Painting 10-14 Years: Lohit Latheesh – Wild Dog
- Youth Painting 15-18 Years: Blake Studd – Cindy Loo Who
- Youth Photography 6-9 Years: Alana Garth – Guy Who Collects Water
- Youth Photography 10-14 Years: Eliza Ransome – Early Rise
- Youth Photography 15-18 Years: Lazienki Krolewskie – Liesl Raynor
- Youth Encouragement: Abigail Reynolds, Eliza Houlihan, Amber Cartwright
- Budding Artist: Alexander Boulton, Harrison Mealy, Eliza Schneider, Elena Skala, Pippa Skala
Kilmore Regional Busking winners
Open Category/Adult
- Taylah Shae
- CharEm
- Emerson Lavis
- Chris Wright
Secondary
- Maya O’Loughlin
- Fire Opal
- Jack Gregory
- Edith Merchant
Primary
- Tilly Rose
- Ashleigh Davon
- Jack Davon
- Deegs Drums
People’s Choice
- Corzza
- Valeida
- Seb G
- Fire Opal
Judge’s Awards
- Community Music: WhittleC Ukes
- Instrumental: jimmy o drums
- Smile Award: Forever Young Ent.
- Emerging Artist: Seb G
- Presentation: August
- Junior Instrumental: Tyler Herdman
- Originality: Valeida
- Emerging Artist: Clayton Hunter
- Irish Music: Banish Misfortune
- Spoken Word: Middle-Age Punk
- Encouragement: Lilah Ray, Ada O’Loughlin, Paddy Farrar
