Emerald is a haven for the arts, and that passion has been given well-deserved recognition at Cardinia’s Australia Day awards.
The Emerald Arts Society won Community Event of the Year at Cardinia Shire Council’s Australia Day ceremony on Thursday.
The award was for the society’s Annual Art Exhibition, which has been running for 55 years.
Society president Russell Simpson said he was “speechless” by the win, though the exhibition has never been run for accolades.
“We do it for art and our love of art, and for giving back to the community,” he said in his acceptance speech.
The exhibition at the Hills Hub showcases more than 200 works, ranging from renowned artists to young, emerging talents.
The society spends six months of each year preparing for the exhibition and places few rules on expression, accepting paintings, sculptures, illustrations and mixed media from artists of all experience levels.
Mr Simpson reaffirmed the society’s commitment to anyone curious about art.
“We are always happy to accept anybody who wants to learn to draw, paint, sculpt, do whatever. Come join us.”
The society also runs other exhibitions and classes year-round, making it a true collective that supports the development of artists, regardless of their level of craftsmanship.
More information can be found on the society’s website at emeraldartssociety.com.au.
