Tuesday,
24 December 2024
41st Annual Competitive Art Exhibition at the Cherry Festival

The Young Society of Artists Inc. extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the 41st Annual Competitive Art Exhibition, held at the Young Town Hall during the Cherry Festival weekend. Despite challenging weather conditions, the event attracted over 1,000 visitors, exceeding attendance figures from previous years. The community displayed remarkable understanding and resilience, embracing the opportunity to support local artists through art purchases and enjoying the creativity on display.

The Society also takes this opportunity to thank its 2024 sponsors, whose generous support has been instrumental in making its activities and events possible. The sponsors include Southwest Slopes Bank, Jemco Sheds & Fencing, Forever Young Gallery, Lions Club of Young Inc., Young Service Club, Dunk Insurance Brokers, Windridge Farms, Young Workwear, Rosgrae t/as Raine & Horne, Blantyre Farms, Springfield Art, Donges IGA, Hilltops Arts Inc., Hilltops Council, YLAD Living Soils, and Grove Estate. Their contributions have ensured the continued celebration and growth of the arts in the region.

The Society is pleased to announce the results of its raffle and People’s Choice Awards. First prize in the raffle, a painting by Megan Holt, was won by Robin Sykes of Binalong, while second prize, a hand-painted porcelain bowl by Robyn Moore, was awarded to John Dunk of Young. Third prize, a hamper donated by Hilltops Honey, went to Graeme Schneider of Young. The People’s Choice Award in the adult section was won by Anne Hand from Cootamundra for her painting The Blue Halter, and the youth section was claimed by Suzie Tuckfield of Young for her piece Environmental Injustice.

As 2024 comes to a close, the Society invites the community to its upcoming “Members Only” exhibition at the Burrangong Gallery, opening on December 14 with a morning tea. This showcase of works by YSA members will run until the end of February 2025, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions. Looking ahead to 2025, artists are encouraged to participate in the Lambing Flat Sculpture, Wood, and Big Art Exhibition, an open event welcoming entries from across regional NSW and beyond. Entry forms are available at the Young Visitors Centre, Young Town Hall, and Southern Cross Cinema, with submissions due by February 28, 2025.

The Society extends its thanks to the community for its ongoing support and reminds artists and visitors that the art room will be closed during the school holidays. The collective efforts of sponsors, artists, and the public have been vital in fostering a vibrant arts culture in Young and the surrounding region.

PHOTOS: Supplied.