Dalwallinu Arts Festival

2 days of exhibiting fabulous art from all over Western Australia, presented beautifully with a creative piece by Megan Howe at the entrance, - a mannequin challenging the era of ‘fast fashion’. The exhibiting art was of very high quality and admirably complimented by a stunning floral presentation throughout the exhibition.

Friday evening was entertaining with musicians, “wine and cheese” and the celebration of the winning art.

 

Our local winners were: Kathryn Anthony, winning Shire Resident and Public Selection prizes for her “Ultimate Dollhouse”, yr 7-12, Paige Counsel winner and runner-up for “Phantom of the Opera” and “Hidden Garden”. Yr 3- winner, Ava Scholz for “Still life vase”; Terrina Aboig for “vase” and Harley Fry for “Mini Banksia vase”, joint runners -up; yr 4-6 Kiara Johnson winner for “White Chalk Banksias” and Grace Jolly runner-up for “Insects Home”. See further details of winning artists below.

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It was wonderful that our local children entered their art, supported by the school. Our talented, local artists were amongst the exhibitors and prize winners as seen above. Over the 2 days, we had a steady flow of locals, artists and tourists coming to view the exhibition. With many, many complimentary comments, one artist who exhibits extensively wrote, “This has been an absolute delight. Best art show ever!”

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Saturday, 15 market stall holders who were displaying and selling their art and craft. These people are artists in their own right and made it available for us to purchase, of which many of us took advantage. Purchasing floral decorations, metal sculptures, pottery, wood turning, children’s crocheted toys, succulents and much more.

We also had had 9 workshops for adults and children on Saturday. The adult and children’s workshops were very popular and participants looked like they were really expressing their creative side, coming away with some beautiful pieces of work, ranging from babies “messy art play”, to wood burning, ink work, watercolour, lino printing and cartooning.

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Dalwallinu locals need to feel a great deal of pride in conducting this festival for the last 53 years. It attracts really enthusiastic and generous support. The committee appreciate the financial donors- personal and business’; the helpers who come out to diligently set-up the Festival, unpack the art and repack the art pieces and put away the Festival equipment; the Dalwallinu Shire is an ongoing supporter in so many ways, from transporting art from Perth and returned to the artists  (Thankyou Greg and Zac) and supporting Friday’s wine and cheese night; Jude Barnes and Shireen Manning for their creative organising the artwork for display; Deb Metcalf who did all the floral decorating.

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Our local caterers are great. Our appreciation goes to The Old Convent for morning tea for the helpers unpacking art on Tuesday, the Grazy Ladies providing wonderful grazing platters for the Friday night’s wine and cheese event, and Jenny’s Bakehouse provided great food throughout Saturday.

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Our Creative Arts Committee is made up of 10 amazing people, who each take on massive individual responsibilities. We owe the production of the festival to these people, because without them this Festival would not continue. We trust we will have another Festival in Sept 2025, and this will be up to another amazing committee and continued support from you all.