DOORS will officially open at 7pm this Thursday evening, October 5, for the annual Hamilton Rotary Art Show gala opening with artists, art enthusiasts and local supporters gathering to preview works at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (HPAC).

Hamilton Rotary Art Show director, Brian Jenkins, and communications officer, Lorraine Wilson, said they were thrilled with the steady stream of artworks delivered on Monday that will be available for viewing and purchasing at the show from Thursday night to Sunday.

“We’re up at least 40 more works than last year,” Mr Jenkins said.

“We’ve got about 281 already.

“That’s just fantastic.”

Ms Wilson said it was wonderful to have local artists returning year after year including accomplished and well-known artists as well as people just starting out.

Portland artist, Holly Ryan, has exhibited at the annual show regularly and has previously received a high commendation award for her works.

She was in Hamilton on Monday to deliver three of her works for the Art Show.

Ms Ryan is a professional artist and mainly does animal portraits including wildlife and pets using acrylic on canvas or wood.

“I’ve been an artist all my life,” she said.

“I do commission work.

“I just love it.”

Living in Casterton for the last 40 years, local artist Almar Zaadstra was also thrilled to be delivering some of his popular oil on canvas works to the showroom on Monday ahead of the show.

“I began painting in my late teens,” he said.

“I come from a family of artists and now my daughter is painting as well.

“It’s a lovely job.”

Mr Zaadstra paid tribute to his wife Judith and said she was a critical part of creating his work.

His paintings are mainly of Australian colonial era scenes typically including horses, but he also draws inspiration from his Dutch father’s influence giving his works a European blend.

Hamilton Art Gallery director, Joshua White, will be the judge of the winning paintings at the gala opening on Thursday evening. 

Bendigo artist, Carolyn Marrone, is this year’s guest artist.

Ms Marrone’s paintings are a regular feature at the Art Show and are very popular and highly sought after, typically depicting scenes of Italian life.

Mr Jenkins said Rotary Hamilton appreciated the generosity of its many sponsors, artists and members of the public who have supported the show for more than 40 years.

“We are looking forward to the locally much-loved event for the Hamilton community and Rotary club,” he said.

Mr Jenkins said proceeds from the Art show allows the club to support a wide range of projects and programs, locally, nationally and internationally.

“This year, our focus will be on the environment, youth and mental health programs,” he said.

Following the gala opening on Thursday night that includes a gourmet supper and drinks and then presentations to the winners, the show is open daily from Friday, October 6, until Sunday afternoon, October 8.

Opening hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm and on Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

Tickets are available to purchase on the night or at various retail outlets around Hamilton as advertised.

For enquiries visit artshow.rotaryhamilton.org.au