A MINIATURE art exhibition featuring more than 50 paintings by local artists opened on Friday and will run until June 6 at the Balranald Art Gallery.
Artists from and between Swan Hill, Mildura and Balranald have contributed to the Miniatures in May art show and competition
The initiative allows regional painters a more accessible platform to display their work without the logistical and financial hurdles of transporting large pieces.
The exhibition features small-format paintings no larger than 30 x 30cm with more than 50 entries from across the wider Mallee region and Balranald Shire.
“The idea stemmed from the challenges rural artists face in exhibiting their work,” said Balranald Art Gallery manager Jan Lawler.
“It’s expensive to get larger paintings freighted.
“So, we thought we’d try a small paintings exhibition, just to see how it goes and how much interest there is.”
All works on display are for sale, offering art lovers an affordable entry point into collecting local art while supporting regional talent.
The exhibition launched with an opening night on Friday, where four major awards were presented.
The event is hosted by a long-standing cultural group that has been a fixture in the local arts scene for more than 40 years.
“We’re the only place offering cultural activities in the area,” Ms Lawler said.
“This is really about bringing like-minded people together.”
All works are for sale and will remain until the exhibition closes.
Award winners
Oil/acrylic award: Teresa Seismaa – Murrumbidgee Magic
Pastel award: Kathryn Rooney – Old River Gum
Watercolour award: Sharon Pate – Bits n’Pieces
Other medium award: May Ward – In The Still Of Early Morn
Encouragement award: Jill Hargreaves – Blue Wrens
Encouragement award: Joy Jones – Feathers
