Christine Mullen’s award winning work Jenny’s Cows is off to Melbourne with delighted new owners Melanie and Jeremy Cox.By Kath Gannaway
THE annual Grand Easter Art Exhibition at Yarra Glen has again proved an all round winner.
The exhibition held at Balgownie Estate over the four-day Easter break attracted thousands of visitors, sold more than $35,000 worth of art work and supported the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal with a donation from commissions expected to be around $2500.
Toolangi sculptor Savaad Felich and Healesville artist Amanda Ruck had a tough task in judging the more than 590 entries – up 100 on last year.
Mr Felich said there were eight paintings that stood out in relation to the Yarra Valley theme.
Jenny’s Cows by Christine Mullen received the top award with Top Paddock by Teresa Blazincic and The Dam by Sharon Rodwell singled out as works, which resonated with both judges.
Jacinta Fraser’s work Vineyard View received an honourable mention.
Mr Felich said he had watched the exhibition move from its early days in the main street of Yarra Glen to the historic barn at Yering Station and more recently to Balgownie Estate.
“It is an exhibition that attracts many local artists, established, emerging and amateur and in this sense it plays an important role for artists across the Yarra Valley,” he said.
The show has sold $168,375 worth of art in the seven years it has been running.
Mr Felich praised the dedication of the local people involved in organising the event which he said ensured its success each year.
Art show committee member Chris Mullen said pleasant weather over the show period had contributed to outstanding visitor numbers.
Mr Mullen thanked the artists, the largest ever number of volunteers and the sponsors who he said made the show a success.
