The Deni Easter arts and cultural festival is upon us and there’s plenty to keep everyone busy.
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A variety of events will be on offer, including a vintage and artisan market, the Lions Community market, an Easter in the Park family event and church service, musical performances and children’s music workshops and the Deniliquin Rodeo.
The Rotary Easter Art Show, put on by the Edward River Art Society and Deniliquin Rotary Club, is one of the premier events.
It opens tonight with a public gala event at the Deniliquin Multi ARts Centre, and runs through until Easter Monday.
Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts and fellow councillor and Cotton Gum Gallery owner Tarria Moore were at the Multi Arts Centre on Monday to judge an acquisitive piece.
“It’s going to be so nice to see everybody out and about this weekend,” Cr Betts said.
She encouraged visitors to stop by and view the 230 pieces on display, from 76 local and national artists.
“The arts sector is as important as any other in the region.
“I would encourage everyone to get out and about, have a look at what’s on offer.
“We’ve missed a lot of these sorts of events through COVID,” she said.
Rotary Club convenor Tony Kew said the show would love to see support from locals and visitors.
“During COVID, we had to cancel one year, and the second year the date fell just outside the lockdowns, so we held it but the numbers did fall.
“Over Easter, most of our visitors are from Victoria, but having said that, our sales remained consistent at the last event and we really appreciated the local support,” Mr Kew said.
“I am blown away every year by the pieces we receive,” he said, adding the Rotary Club and ERAS would love to see many people attending.
Artists’ pieces have been divided into categories and will be judged by two guest judges - one, Nick Robinson, handling digital works, and the other Glenda Cornell, reviewing fine arts.
ERAS president Louise Graham said the show should be a “visual feast” for patrons.
“People can look forward to some good abstract florals, native birds, still lifes, figure studies,” she said.
On Tuesday, a group of 20 volunteers helped display the paintings in the multi-arts centre.
“A lot of effort goes into making this a visual feast for our visitors,” Ms Graham said.
“Now the hard work is done, I’m looking forward to this coming to fruition, and we hope to have some people buying as well.”
“There’s something for everyone and every price range”
With all of the bustle in town this weekend, it is sure to be a busy one.
Other activities on offer include:
- Rotary Easter Art Show at the Multi Arts Hall in the Waring Gardens. Friday to Monday 9am-4pm. Botanicals artist Sonya Robinson will put on an artist display at the Easter Art Show, using charcoals, crayons and inks made from natural botanicals. Session times - 12.30pm on Friday, 1.30pm on Saturday, 2.30pm on Sunday and 10am to 12pm on Monday.
- Art Out Artisan and Vintage Market in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens, Easter Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm.
- Easter in the Park on Easter SUnday, in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens from 9.30am to 1pm. Kids and family activities, face painting, a jumping castle, giant jenga, sausage sizzle, outdoor church service and Easter egg hunt. Organised by the Baptist Church.
- Kid’s Music workshop in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens, Easter Saturday from 11am. South West Music musical director and cellist Louise King will lead an impromptu band, and there will also be a performance from Sophie and Jarred Bashford.
- Deniliquin Rodeo from 4pm until late on Easter Saturday. An action packed evening for the whole family. Live music, food trucks and lots of thrills. The rodeo grounds can be found on Racecourse Rd, Deniliquin.
The Information Centre in End St also has a food guide of ‘the perfect places to eat’ in Deni and surrounds over the long weekend, which can also be found on page 9 of today’s edition.
Cr Betts said people should enjoy the fare and check out local businesses.
“There are a lot of shops, we’ve got a lot to offer visitors and locals, so go check out everything available on Cressy St and beyond,” she said.
“Please come out and support local, and by all means come back again if you’re visiting from out of town.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and of council, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.”