The 16th annual Tatura Rotary Art Show recorded its biggest attendance yet last weekend, with crowds flocking to see more than 400 pieces of artwork on display.

Artists from across the Goulburn Valley showcased a wide variety of styles and price points and according to Rotarian Rhonda Rose, the diversity was well received.

The Gala Opening Night was a packed house, with guest speakers and live entertainment keeping many guests there until closing.

“The atmosphere on our Gala Opening Night was wonderful, with our guests Heather Ewart, Michael Lapina and Julia Alsop,” Mrs Rose said.

“I think the standout moments were the Friday night entertainment as well as people lining up to purchase their favourite piece of art.

“I have a lot of contact with the artists, and I know how pleased they are when they sell their work.”

The three-day event, held from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, featured an impressive line-up of entertainment.

Guest speaker Heather Ewart, who grew up in the Goulburn Valley and is now widely known for the ABC’s Back Roads program, officially opened the show, followed by a performance from Opera Australia’s Michael Lapina and his colleagues.

“Our entertainment received ‘wow’ comments,” Mrs Rose said.

“Heather attracted a big crowd and had people laughing at some of her escapades around Australia.

“The crowd really enjoyed her stories, and Heather also had a great time catching up with people she hadn’t seen for a very long time.

“Our club is so pleased that she was able to help us out with our fundraising.”

This year’s People’s Choice awards were dominated by animal-themed artworks.

Marianne Scarvelis’ piece I’mLooking@EWE, depicting sheep and a working dog, took out the top prize, while second place went to Vida Pearson’s black cockatoos artwork In among the Banksias.

“Vida has been exhibiting with us for many years and always does well,” Mrs Rose said.

“Col Brown, the painter of our raffle prize, always gets comments with his redback spiders and Australiana themes.

“Another very talented artist is Glenda Cornell, who always scores highly in our People’s Choice. Congratulations to all our winners this year, and to all the artists involved.”

The school art section was another popular element, with the top school prize going to Ella Lewis for Two Friendly Cows, a piece depicting the local milk factory and cows.

A café ran throughout the weekend, helping raise funds for the Rotary Club, which in turn supports the community.

On Sunday, local group Shepp Sings entertained visitors.

Mrs Rose said a lot of effort went into making the weekend event possible, and that it held significance not only for the artists but for the wider region.

“It is not only important for Tatura — it is just as important for Shepparton, Kialla, Mooroopna and other nearby towns,” she said.

“Artists from the Greater Shepparton area are our main exhibitors, so it’s extremely important to the larger arts scene.

“The area also benefits from visitors travelling from all over Victoria, turning it into a local weekend to visit other attractions, restaurants and accommodation.”

With the event now wrapped up and artworks being collected by buyers and artists, planning has already begun for 2026.

“The feedback has been very encouraging across all aspects of the show — though, of course, the response to the artwork is always the highlight,” Mrs Rose said.

“This year we had around 20 new artists, and we already have even more listed for next year.

“Watch this space — although this year will be difficult to beat in terms of excitement and atmosphere.”

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Tuesday, 27th May 2025

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