Community
5 June, 2025
Connected through creativity
MOUNTING entries suggest this weekend’s return of the Mortlake Art Show will take on a far more emotive tone as organisers seek to find connection through creativity.
The return of the popular show over this long weekend will mark the ten-year milestone for the Mortlake Art Show, which has grown from strength to strength.
Co-convenor Cassandra Ellis said the early entries for this year’s show was taking a notable departure from the vibrancy seen in the submissions of 2024.
While last year boasted a surge of colour, much of the work this year has seen more muted tones in what she believes is very much a sign of the times.
“I think there’s lots of messages, and in the artwork over the past couple of years there has been more behind it,” Ms Ellis said.
“There’s more emotion behind a lot of the art with subdued colours.
“It’s obvious as soon as you walk in.
“It’s a different vibe this year.”
Ms Ellis said the number of entries was still being finalised, but early indications on both quantity and quality were looking “really positive”.
“This year we’ve even got the Mortlake Men’s Shed exhibiting what they’re making – I think with what’s going on across the south west, it’s actually a really timely exhibition of fellowship,” she said.
“I was saying the other day ‘creativity connects communities’ – that’s what I’m thinking the art show is all about this year.
“There’re all sorts of things for all ages, and I think for anyone coming along they can take something away from the craftsmanship of our local people.
“It’s not just paintings this year – it’s almost becoming an art show and an expo as people reach out to show what they’re creating.”
Ms Ellis said the ten-year milestone was a proud moment for all who have worked behind the scenes to guide the event through challenges and success alike over the years.
“It started as a hybrid event from the Mortlake and District Historical Society with artist William Aris Alen, who was here painting,” she said.
“We’ve continued it – we started with a theme but a lot of artists didn’t want to play within an annual theme, so the popularity has grown as we’ve given artists freedom to paint what they want without being told what to paint.
“I think that’s the right model for this art show, but we’re also keeping it small with no entry free and no barriers so everyone can have a go at exhibiting at their first art show.
“It’s exciting to have so many up-and-coming artists – we’re really proud, especially because it’s so backed by the community.
“It’s small, it’s tangible, it’s non-threatening – it’s a social gathering over three days.”
The Mortlake Art Show will be held at the Mortlake Returned and Services League hall (15 Shaw Street) this weekend from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9 from 10am to 3pm each of the three days.
For more information, visit https://www.mortlakeartshow.com.au.
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