After 51 years of bringing the local community together, the Knox Art Show is back and this year, it’s bigger, better, and more accessible than ever.
Originally started by the Rotary Club of Bayswater, the event has become a staple on the Knox’s arts calendar and is now run by both the Rotary Clubs of Bayswater and Rowville-Lysterfield.
This year’s show, held at the beautiful Churchill-Waverley Golf and Bowls Club in Rowville, will run in person from Friday 7 to Sunday, 9 November, with an exciting gala event.
The physical exhibition will then be open to the public on the weekend, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9, from 10.30am to 4pm.
The best part? For those unable to attend in person, the show will also feature a virtual exhibition running from 7 to 16 November, available to view online through Gallery 24/7 at gallery247.com.au
The chair of the Knox Art Show Committee, Jenny Moran said the event has evolved in many ways over the years, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To survive during COVID, the show became virtual, and that has continued since,” Ms Moran said.
“This year, we’re offering both a physical exhibition and a virtual one, which allows us to engage a much wider audience. People can view and purchase art from the comfort of their homes, which is a great option for those who might find it difficult to attend in person.”
For the first time in years, the physical exhibition will include a new selection of ceramic works, as well as a larger section dedicated to photography, the event will also aim to showcase emerging young artists, with work from Rowville Secondary College students set to be displayed.
“We want to give young, aspiring artists a chance to display their work in a professional setting,” Ms Moran said.
“It’s so important for them to receive positive feedback and be exposed to a wider audience. Last year, we had a self-taught 20-year-old artist who was just phenomenal. It’s a great way to nurture young talent and encourage them to keep pursuing their passion for art.”
The Churchill-Waverley Golf and Bowls Club is an ideal venue for the event.
With expansive glass windows and plenty of natural light, the setting provides a peaceful and uplifting environment for both the artists and visitors.
“It’s a beautiful, well-lit space that enhances the art on display,” Ms Moran said.
“The club also offers easy access and parking, which makes it convenient for everyone, including busloads of older visitors. We moved the show from the Community Centre in Bayswater because we found the golf club better suited for the experience we wanted to create.”
All profits from the event go directly to local community organisations, supporting people in hardship.
One of this year’s beneficiaries is Simple Steps Solutions, an organisation helping young people with mental health challenges by connecting them to necessary treatment services.
Another is Lives Re-Care, which provides respite for carers of people with dementia and long-term illnesses by offering free fortnightly lunches and entertainment.
“We’re also contributing to the international effort to eradicate polio,” Ms Moran said.
“Polio is very close to being wiped out, but we still need to maintain vigilance to ensure it’s gone for good. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come thanks to vaccination programs.”
Tickets for the opening night can be purchased via the Knox Art Show’s website, with general admission available at the door.
For more information and to buy tickets for the gala opening, visit the Knox Art Show website: knoxartshow.org.au or Gallery 247’s platform.
