The Fine Arts Section in this year’s Stanthorpe Show is proud to announce that the show society has allotted them a different and much more spacious area, the former Tea Pavilion, located beside the Main Pavilion.
This is the oldest building still in use at the showgrounds and its history is fascinating. Paula Boatfield hopes to document and display the story in the future following the refurbishment of the old kitchen area. In the meantime, Fine Arts is very pleased to be the new tenant. The chief Steward for Fine Arts, Mary Rofe, is looking forward to displaying arts and pottery entries in the light and airy space steeped in history.
“It will allow us to make a space more suitable for arts display and also give us the opportunity to host arts demonstrations and displays,” Mary said.
“The suggestion to have a dedicated art pavilion in this space came from artists engaged in painting the lovely planters now seen around Stanthorpe centre.
“They have been working here in this space for some time and commented one day that it would make an ideal area for Fine Arts.
“Move on two months and the idea has been unanimously accepted by the show society committee.
“The enthusiastic response from these artists has led to many of them becoming more involved in organising the Fine Arts at the show.”
Mary Rofe said there is much excitement also about the addition of extra prizes thanks to generous sponsors keen to promote arts practice in the Stanthorpe community.
“We hope to see lots of entries from digital artists, Indigenous junior artists and artists responding to the themed sections in Junior and Senior Art – all have new prizes offered this year,” she said.
“We know that show patrons will enjoy this exhibition and the talents of our demonstrating artists.
“The sessions will need to be limited to allow individual attention to be given to participants and children must be accompanied by an adult to take part.
“Outside of the workshops there will be the opportunity to talk to practising artists and for the young ones to get used to the feel of working with art materials themselves.
“We receive entries in the new art space in the Tea Pavilion from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday 28 January.
“Further details are to be found online at the show society’s website or in the schedule now in venues around town.”
The Opening night and prize presentation by Mayor Tracy Dobie will be held from 7pm on Thursday 1 February in the Tea Pavilion. For more information on the Fine Arts section of the Stanthorpe Show and to RSVP for the Fine Arts opening call Mary Rofe on 0427 617679
