THIS year’s Rotary Easter Art Show is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
Art Show coordinator Jenny Kelly said more than 470 artworks would grace the Kerang Basketball Stadium when the annual event kicks off on Good Friday with the gala opening night.
“We’ve had an excellent response,” Ms Kelly said.
“This is going to be a very big year for us.
“Many artists haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their artworks for some time.”
Rotarians will be working around the clock this week, driving great distances to pick up artworks from designated depots throughout the state.
Swan Hill artist Joy Jones has supported the Easter art show for many years.
Despite attending and purchasing artwork in the past, this year marks her first time as an entrant.
Ms Jones said she reignited her passion for art after retiring around 10 years ago.
Prior to this she had packed up her paint and brushes for around 40 years.
“I was an art teacher in a former life,” she said.
“I’ve taken up painting again since retiring.”
Specialising in watercolour, Ms Jones said her artworks featured realistic birds and animals which were painted from photographs.
Her entry for the Rotary Art Show features the tawny frogmouth.
The image was captured while exploring wetlands along the Swan Hill River Walk.
The art show will open at 7pm on Friday and will continue to run on Easter Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 3pm.
Funds raised from the event will be injected into the local community through various Rotary Projects.
Ms Kelly said the group was working alongside other community groups, including the two rotary clubs in Swan Hill and the Swan Hill Lions Club to raise funds to establish a safe shelter, providing accommodation for domestic violence victims.
