If you want to be among the first to see the entries - and winners - in this year’s Deniliquin Easter Art Show, attending Thursday night’s gala opening is a must.
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The annual exhibition, presented by the Rotary Club of Deniliquin and Edward River Art Society in the Deniliquin CBD, this year features 362 entries.
The artworks have been created by 117 separate artists, with more than half coming from the local area.
Others come from Victoria and other parts of NSW, with work also entered by one Queensland-based artist.
There are also 11 youth artists exhibited; a trend that has been growing since the introduction of the Youth Award in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the art show.
There are eight art entry sections - mixed media, oil, acrylic, works on paper (wet mediums), works on paper (dry mediums), photography, digital artwork, sculpture, and ceramics and textiles - with the winner in each receiving a cash prize.
Also awarded will be Best in Show, Artistic Merit Prize (two awards), Local Artist Prize, Local Scene, Youth Artist Prize, People’s Choice Award and the Picture Hangers’ Award, voted by volunteer picture hanging team.
The total prize pool amounts to $20,000 and all artworks shown will be for sale.
Winners will be selected before the art show opens with a gala event this Thursday, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Tickets are $25 at the door, which includes drinks and canapes served throughout the evening.
The exhibition then opens to all other viewers on Good Friday, and for the first time the art show will not be limited to just the Easter long weekend.
Artworks will be showcased until Saturday, May 17.
“The opening gala and Easter weekend are the prime opportunities to view and acquire artworks,’ Edward River Art Society president Lou Graham said.
“With such a high calibre of entries, we encourage art lovers to visit early to secure their favourite pieces.
“The extension of opening hours gives visitors plenty of time to experience the talent of our regional artists at their own pace.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in Deniliquin’s vibrant art scene.”
Over Easter, the exhibit will be open from 10am to 5pm Friday to Sunday, and from 10am to noon on Easter Monday.
Opening hours after Easter will be 10am to 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays, and 9am to 2pm Saturday.
With the growth of the art show, three guest judges have been secured for the 2025 event.
Catherine Stewart is a multi-award-winning artist, including the prestigious Murray Art Museum Albury Art Prize (2016).
Based in rural Victoria, she draws inspiration from her upbringing in Far Western NSW.
Kain White is an Australian painter, drawer, and printmaker inspired by everything from Renaissance masters to 1950s space illustration.
White has collaborated on animation and film projects and taught art across all ages, from secondary schools to weekend workshops.
Harry Kenney-Herbert is a professional photographer and content producer specialising in photojournalism and documentary film.
His award-winning work has been featured in documentaries, prime-time adverts, major news publications, and magazines worldwide.
Rotary Club of Deniliquin president Iain Goodway said the Rotary Easter Art Show is a must see event.
“We are excited to once again support this incredible event,” he said.
“The art show is a highlight of Deniliquin’s cultural calendar and provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to shine.
“This event brings the community together and attracts visitors from beyond Deniliquin.
“Whether you’re an art collector, an enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring cultural experience, this exhibition is not to be missed.”
The Deniliquin Easter Art Show will be held at the Deniliquin Multi Arts Centre and Hall, in Cressy St, Deniliquin.
General admission is $5 per person, at the door.
Senior journalist