WITH just over a week left to get entries in, the Glenthompson Art Show is shaping up to be a brilliant snapshot of the creative talents of the local community.

The four-day event, scheduled over the Melbourne Cup weekend, has already been so enthusiastically embraced by artists in the area, organisers have been scrambling to make sure additional display space will be presentable and ready at the venue.

Glenthompson Art Show coordinator, Julie Reason, said she has been hard at work getting some more basic levels of painting done on the walls of the Glenthompson Memorial Hall to maximise the area for the show.

“We’re having to get extra room because it looks like we’re going to have a big show,” she said.

“We’ve got so much interest … I’m just hoping I’ve got the space.

“I’ve got all extra lighting for this year’s show. It’s all coming together very nicely, it’s going to be a fabulous show.”

Ms Reason said she had been delighted with the response from local schools too.

“I just got off the phone with Baimbridge College,” she said earlier in the week.

“They’ve got about 35 pieces for the Young Artist Award.”

The award (open to 13 to 17-year-olds) is also receiving interest from other schools with additional prizes also on offer for second and third - and with several other awards on offer including best oil or acrylic, best work on paper and best landscape, the exhibits are sure to cover a wide range of themes and styles.

Those attending will get a chance to vote for their favourite artwork too, with the People’s Choice Award having a $200 prize on offer.

“When everyone comes to the show, they choose a painting that they think is the best,” Ms Reason said.

“So they put it in a box and we just pick out who gets the most votes.”

The event kicks off on the Friday evening with a Gala Opening with drinks and canapes, and Ms Reason said she was expecting some VIPs to turn up, but she couldn’t confirm names yet.

“On the Friday Night is the awards presentation,” she said.

“There’s a lot of interest going on and I am so thrilled about it.

“It just gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling that everybody is really getting on board with these art shows.”

Entries close on Monday, October 17 and opening night is Friday, October 28 from 6.30 - 9pm, with tickets limited at $25 and children 13-17 years-old $10 each; bookings are essential.

The art show runs from Saturday, October 29 to Tuesday, November 1, opening at 10am each day and running until 4.30pm, except on the last day when it finishes at 3.30pm; entry is $5 and free for children under adult supervision.

More information including entry and award details is available at glenthompsonartshow.com

Meanwhile, Ms Reason said she still has some wall painting to complete.

“I’ve been painting every single day for two weeks and I’m absolutely exhausted,” she quipped.