The Gwydir Art Show has been a major event in Bingara for the past twelve years and while it is covered very well by local press, it is a “quiet achiever” of our community, in the successful presentation of a very impressive, professional Art Exhibition.
Hosted by St. John’s Anglican Art Show Committee and led by the Coordinator, Mrs. Robyn Hansen, a band of dedicated workers undertake the tasks of inviting, receiving, collating and presenting artwork for public exhibition and community enjoyment.
The exhibition draws from local areas, as well as interstate. It is a keenly contested event that is well noted in both established and aspiring artists’ diaries. The community participation each year and especially in 2009, in the preparatory work for the Art Show is an indication of the high regard held for the event and the organisers.
The voluntary hours given towards the planning and setting up is quite amazing. Several volunteers contributed in excess of 60 hours to the event in the two weeks prior to the Art Show. The efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Hansen would of course be many times this amount. The exhibition includes paintings, ceramics, photography and china painting.
Gwydir Shire Council assists in sponsoring and purchase the winning painting each year, for display at the Council office. The event has not been previously recognised with an award and, the community spirit attached to it is deserving of recognition.
Although presented as a fund-raiser for St. John’s, so many others from the general community offered practical assistance and support. The Gwydir Art Show is a fine example of the strength of partnerships in small communities, a successful social and cultural event and a very worthy recipient of Community Event of the Year.
