6 years of success for Rainbow Beach Art Festival

Held on the Australia Day weekend, over 500 people  viewed over 200  local  paintings, craft and photos and the whole event raised almost $3000 for the Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed.

Organiser Peggy Phelan warmly welcomed our mayor Ron Dyne (who won the Mystery Painting!), Mrs. Dyne and councillor Mark McDonald for supporting the sixth annual “Brushes by the Sea”  festival.

Peggy applauded the volunteers, “who unselfishly gave of their time and energy to set up the display, the quilting girls, photo club members,the girls at the door, and Afra’s invaluable help – a big thank you to you all. Without you the festival would not be a success.”

“Our judges were amazed at the quality of work. Jenni Kelly (an award winning artist with exhibits in UK and many Queensland galleries) Ken Ferguson (from Tin Can Bay Photography Tours) Rosemary Ronning (from Ron Morgan Sewing And Embroidery Centre Hervey Bay) had the difficult job of making the decisions on the winners – thank you so much for your time.”

“Once again we thank Rick Modin for his support of this festival. Without this venue, it would not be possible to raise the money for the charity  each year. This year the Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed will use the money raised towards the purchase of a shed. As well as providing the venue – Rick provides the necessary things like the printing, making of the quilt stands, arranging the wine and cheese tasting, live music and too many other things to mention.”

There were big plugs for local businesses, most family run, recognising their role in the community and urging locals to give our support back to the sponsors. Café Jilarty sponsored Encouragement Awards in each section.

Section 1  RAINBOW BEACH SPORTS CLUB Any Medium (Our Local Area) Winner – Carolyn Smith, Encouragement – Georgia Modin (The winning painting will be displayed at the entrance of the club for the next year where it can be admired by local and visiting patrons.)

RAINBOW BEACH SPORTS CLUB People’s Choice – Graham Chappill (Very closely contended – with only three votes between it and Poona Lake by Carolyn Smith)

Section 2 RAINBOW SHORES RESORT Acrylic Winner – Ze, Encouragement – Genevieve Miller

Section 3 RAINBOW BEACH TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Oils Winner –  Robin Hines, Encouragement – Kerri Southern

 Section 4 RAINBOW BEACH MEATS Water Colour Winner –  Carolyn Smith, Encouragement – Adrienne Hudson

Section 5 FOODWORKS Photography Landscape  Winner – Ron Johnson, Encouragement – Mary Boyce       

Section 6 RAINBOW BEACH COOLOOLA COAST COMMUNITY NEWS Photography Real Life Winner –  Ron Johnson, Encouragement – Diann Bourke

Section 7 Ed’s BEACH BAKERY Quilting Winner – Teena Guy, Encouragement – Bev O’Rouke

 Section 8 COOLOOLA REALTY Craft Winner – Hayley McFarlane, Encouragement – Heather Craig

 Section 9 COOLOOLA COVE LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN SUPPLIES and COOLOOLA HIRE Drawing Winner – Graham Chappill, Encouragement – Heather Craig

 Section 10  DR. DAVID SMITH  Young Artist (9-16yrs) Winner – Ella Bond, Encouragement – Winona Brown

Section 11 SURF and SAND SAFARI Young Artist (under 9yrs) Winner – Jasmin White, Encouragement – Locky Sanchez

Peggy made mention of all participants, but was especially keen to encourage more young artists in 2015. She noted that there was definite budding talent, Ella Bond was commended on her use of collage and told to “Keep painting” and Jasmin White was praised for her “strong  colours.”

President Bobbie Wessling was teary with appreciation for the supportive art festival committee and the Rainbow Beach business people in understanding the need for a Men’s Shed in our remote area.  Peggy praised Brian and Neita Linfield for their work in attracting  over forty prizes including auction prize of a half Day out on a BBQ Boat for up to 10 people from BBQ Boat Hire and Fishing Charters .

Sponsors for the Goose Raffle included Dolphin Ferry Cruise, Tin Can Bay Marina and Grill, Tin Can Bay Family Butchery, Tin Can Bay Fruit and Vegie Mart, Tin Can Bay Marina Chandlery, Tin Can Bay News,  Temptations By The Water, Cafe To The Max, Jilly’s, Mitre 10, Cove Fish and Chips, Frame-It Hair and Beauty,  Cove Bakery and Cafe,  Woolworths, Thirsty Camel, Sands Pharmacy, News Extra Cooloola Sands,  Gifts Rainbow and Dreams,  Bayview Video Shop, Cooloola Coast Seafoods TCB.

Overall organisers were extremely happy, there were a few sales and many attendants stayed for a fun Australia Day afternoon on the deck. Plan are already afoot for next year! Plenty more images are on the Community News website and facebook page.

(Big thanks to Kate Gilmore for assistance with photography)

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