Mary Valley Art Festival Call for entries

ENTRIES are now open for the highly anticipated annual Mary Valley Art Festival in Imbil.

This year, the festival welcomes a new sponsor, Masondale, who has generously doubled the prize money for the People’s Choice award, offering an impressive $1000. Combined with RJR Property’s sponsorship of the Best in Show award worth $3000, and Gympie’s Bendigo Bank contributing $2500 for the Open category winner, the festival’s prize pool has reached an astounding total of over $12,000. Masondale, a prominent player in the transport sector since 1990, started by hauling timber logs across Queensland. In 2001, the company diversified into heavy haulage, serving both local and interstate destinations. Their sponsorship is a testament to their commitment to supporting local arts and culture. RJR Property, previously known as Ron Jeffrey Realty, is a respected real estate agency with three hinterland offices in Imbil, Kenilworth, and Montville. Their sponsorship of the Best in Show award showcases their dedication to promoting artistic excellence within the community. Bendigo Bank, through their Community Bank Gympie & District, is generously offering $2500 to the winner of the Open category, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to local communities while also providing financial products and services.

The festival also encourages young aspiring artists to participate. The first- place winner in the youth section (ages 12-17) will receive a prize valued at $200, which includes art materials and a workshop with a skilled tutor.

Save the dates! The 2023 Mary Valley Art Festival will take place from July 20 to 23 at the Imbil Public Hall on Edward Street in Imbil. The festival’s opening night, led by local creative Ian Mackay, will commence at 6pm on Friday July 21. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, licensed bar and finger food, as the winners of the adult and youth categories are announced. The fine art gallery, Art on Yabba, offers an excellent opportunity to take home a unique piece of art or alternatively, you can explore and purchase your favorite artwork directly from the festival itself. The exhibition will be open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. On Sunday, July 23 indulge in a delightful poets’ breakfast from 8am, followed by the highly anticipated Masondale People’s Choice Awards at 3pm.

The Mary Valley Art Festival serves as the grand finale of the Gympie Region Studio Trails, celebrating local artists, artisans, and creatives and provides an opportunity to explore their private studios, ateliers, and creative spaces while engaging with their work, skills, stories, and inspiration. For more information on the Studio Trails, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/studio-trails.

To participate in the Mary Valley Art Festival, artists must submit their entry forms by July 10. More information and entry forms can be found at www.maryvalleyartfestival.com.au.

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