After a three-year hiatus, the Tara & District Art Exhibition is back to highlight the talent of local creatives and encourage residents to dabble in new artistic pursuits.
Formerly the Bloomin' Creative Showcase, the Tara & District Art Exhibition is an ongoing partnership between Council and the Tara Steering Group committee to celebrate artistry in the area. Artists and quilters from across the Tara district are invited to submit work to the week-long exhibition, which will officially open from 6pm, Friday 20 October.
For those wanting inspiration for their submission, or just to try something different, Council will be supporting weekend art workshops in sculpture, watercolour and paint throughout September and October.
Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said that the exhibition highlighted local brilliance both in and out of the gallery.
"It's so important to provide our artists with a platform to showcase their work and express their creativity. Initiatives like the Tara & District Art Exhibition, as well as the workshops in the lead-up, are part of keeping our arts and culture scene flourishing here on the Western Downs," Cr Maguire said.
"We have some very talented artists in the region, so I'm excited to see what this year's exhibition will bring.
"The involvement of the Tara Steering Group Committee and Tara & District Family Support Committee in the exhibition is a real testament to the community spirit of the region and the value of arts programs in our towns.
"These community partnerships demonstrate why 'it's the people that make it' in the Western Downs."
Steering Group Committee member and local artist Ros Wade said that the exhibition would benefit the whole community.
"The Tara and District Art Exhibition has grown from the original Bloomin' Creative Showcase back in 2018 and provides the Tara and wider community the opportunity to view and potentially purchase art and craft works by residents of the district," Ms Wade said.
"We would like to see as many established and new artists, artisans and crafters using this opportunity to exhibit their works in a professional exhibition. Entry is free and we have prize money for winners in each category. We would welcome people of all ages to come and view the exhibition when it opens in October, thereby supporting our community."
Submissions for the Tara & District Art Exhibition are now open and can be made via the Tara Customer Service Centre on Fry Street, or by contacting Tara's Community Activation Officer, Jessica Norford, on 0437 036 720.
