Mary Valley Art Festival breaking records
The Mary Valley Art Festival, celebrating 20 years of art and culture in the Mary Valley has received record entries in this year’s competition. With close to 500 artworks on display,
Imbil will be a hive of activity this weekend from Thursday July 22 through to Sunday July 25.
The return of the popular festival was warmly embraced by the creative community who experienced the closure of so many events during 2020, and now the ongoing restrictions for galleries, theatres and live venues. Gympie artist and art teacher Kathy Burden was enthusiastic, “It’s just so good to have you back!”
The festival now marks a 20-year milestone in 2021. The competition includes work from as far as Bundaberg and the Gold Coast will be on display with a special 20th Anniversary Exhibition.
Curator Heinke Butt was excited to share the results, “We selected 20 artists who regularly exhibit in the competition and invited them to each paint a plinth. These will be on display along with the freshly hung 10th anniversary exhibit: a retrospective called ‘Mary Valley Alive’ – telling the story of the Mary Valley through the flora, fauna and people”.
Exhibition sponsors Ron Jeffery Realty, Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce and Gympie & District Bendigo Bank were delighted to be part of the project. A longtime supporter of the festival, Ron Jeffery proudly stated, “I commend the artists, each and every one!”
The prize pool of over $8000 features the $2500 Bendigo Bank Open Award to the winning artist, and $1000 to the artist Highly Commended, thanks to Twin Bunya Park.
The festival is open each day from 10am-3pm from July 22 through to July 24 at Imbil Public Hall, Edward Street, Imbil near Gympie. Opening night presentations are on Friday July 23, with shortened viewing on Sunday July 25 from 10am-1pm prior to works being collected.
Inquiries to Heinke Butt on 0419 024 291 or email info@maryvalleyartfestival.com.au
