Around 1000 visitors paid a visit to the Trentham Easter Art and Craft Show, committee members say.

Organisers thanked volunteers and all of the community for “making this year’s Art and Craft Show a wonderful experience for artists and visitors”.

The committee’s Leonie Hehir reported: “the new Mechanics was a superb venue to host almost 400 art and craft works, 24% of which went to new homes.

“Around 1000 visitors came to see the variety of artworks on display over the four days of Easter,” Leonie said.

“The eight judges remarked on the high quality and breadth of art and found it difficult to choose the 17 award winners in each of the categories of art mediums.

“Children under 12 and youth 12 to 18 were also admired and bought for their talent, suggesting an exciting next generation of artists is coming up.

“Of the 163 exhibitors, 111 were locals (within 50km of the Trentham Post Office) reflecting a strong artistic community in our area.

Best Emerging Artist was won by Jeanie Dean

Best Local Artist was won by Carolyn Smyrk

Dr Gwenth Wisewould Portrait Painting Prize was won by Emma McAdam-Marmo

Stan Falloon Prize for Best Craft – soft medium was won by Anja Tusek

Stan Falloon Prize for Best Craft – hard medium was won by Yvette DeLacy

Phyllis Smith Prize for Best Watercolour was won by Judy Perfect

Best Oil was won by Shay Pappas

Best Acrylic was won by Wendy Webster

Best Drawing was won by Fred Mdamanyi

Best Mixed Medium was won by Helen McRae

Best Digital Design was won by Penelope Cato

Best Photograph was won by Pamela Kent

Best Sculpture was won by Jodi Galvin

Best Jewellery was won by Vanessa Pearl

Best Artisan under 12 was won by Jack Grant-Allan

Best Artisan 12 to 18 was won by Josephine Salanitri

The People’s Choice Award was won by Brian Nash

“The Committee would like to thank our major sponsor the Bendigo Community Bank Trentham and Districts, Trentham Lions and the Little Gallery, East Trentham Fellowship, Trentham Petrol & Stuff, Ruby Goose Foods, Cool Country Classics, Greg and Robyn Smith, Harkin Real Estate for prize sponsorships,” Leonie said.

“Also the local traders who assisted in the provision of food, coffee and alcohol for opening night (see list on the website).

“We especially appreciate Georgie Patterson for the magnificent flowers she brought us from her garden which graced the hall and foyer and were admired by the hundreds of people throughout the show.

“Save time at Easter next year to visit the Art and Craft Show and consider entering yourself.”

Preparations are already well under way for this year’s returning Trentham Easter Art and Craft Show which will be staged in the new Mechanics in High St Trentham this April.

Organisers say the beautiful new home will provide a lovely space to celebrate original art and craft while accommodating plenty of visitors.

The show was last held at the old Mechanics in 2019 where over 350 entries were exhibited.

The show’s organisers say they regard the Trentham Show as important to revive interest and expertise in crafts including: knitting, crochet, macrame, embroidery, textile, patchwork, cross stitch, tapestry, weaving, lace/tatting, glasswork, leatherwork, metalwork, ceramics, basketry, jewellery, and sculpture as well as art such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, photography, and digital design.

There are three age groups for submitting entries: ‘under 12’, ’12 to 18’ and ‘above 18’, and 17 Award categories with significant prizes including two honouring the much loved Trentham community members Dr Gweneth Wisewould and Stan Fallon.

“We hope in future shows to incorporate artists in residence during the show and classes for visitors to see and learn about how to make these artworks,” organisers say.

“We are even hoping to introduce a community art project to encourage everyone to get involved in making art together.

“Our aims might be a bit too ambitious to achieve by April 2025, but we’re hoping TEACS will return as a permanent, growing and vibrant feature of the Trentham activities calendar.”

The Trentham Easter Art and Craft Show will open on Thursday April 17, 2025 and remain open every day over Easter, closing at lunchtime on Easter Monday 21st.

Those interested in volunteering or assisting organisers with prize sponsorship are being invited to chat with Lynne Farrell on 0408 013 391, Leonie Hehir or Elizabeth Parsons.

<a href=”http://www.teacs.org.au”>www.teacs.org.au</a>