Arial shot of Victor Harbor

'Over A Quarter Of A Million Dollars In Sales Made At Victor Harbor's Annual Art Show' Winner two years in succesion of the SA Great Regional Arts Award for 2006 and 2007. The 30th Anniversary of Victor Harbor's Annual Art Show will continue its tradition in presenting itself as Australia's largest outdoor art exhibition! The 2009 event is likely to be the biggest yet with entries increasing every year. Last year 2008 the number of paintings, artists, value and sales totalled 1,495 exhibits from individual artists. The total value of the paintings was over $1.2 million dollars. Total number of paintings sold was 457 with the value of sales at $312,709. The show was manned by over 100 volunteers plus Rotarians and their partners. Over 10,000 visitors passed through the art show exhibition. The naming sponsor for 2008 was Optima Conveyancing. The annual event combines the talent of nearly 500 Australia - wide artists. In 2008, the total prize money was $34,450 which was distributed through the various sections and mediums for paintings entered. Victorian artist, Maxwell Wilks, won the major prize of $10,000 with his painting entitled 'Late Afternoon'. All art on display is available for sale at the event. Alfred Engel (Creator of the Victor Harbor Art Show) at work in his studio Objects of the Art Show: It all started in April 1979 when, well known local artist Alfred Engel, then a member of the Club, had the idea to stage an open-air art show in Victor Harbor during the summer holidays. Alfred and Club Vice President Brian Waye pursued the matter, and with Alfred as Chairman, a committee was formed and entry forms sent out to city and country artists. To provide funds for community projects and charities. To bring to the public an exhibition of paintings in a relaxed holiday atmosphere. An estimated 10,000 people now view the display each year. To provide exposure for artists with the opportunity for sales and to win prizes. Exterior view of Official Art Show Opening - 2000 The first show was held in January 1980 on the lawns of Warland Reserve. Nearly 400 paintings were displayed in the open on makeshift screens and lugged under the cover of a tent overnight, with two Rotarians sleeping "on guard" on stretchers provided. Sponsors provided $3000 prize money. The famous artist, the late Ainslie Roberts was the Judge. Penny Dowie won first prize. About 110 paintings were sold for $19,000. On the success of this event, the Club decided on an annual art show. Site of Marquee for Art Show on Warland Reserve Victor Harbor The event has been held annually since 1980 and has grown in size, status and reputation. This could not have been achieved without the continued support of sponsors, artists, volunteers, the local community and the buying public. Warland Reserve Victor Harbor looking towards Granite Island Sponsorship of the Art Show is a major contributor to its success. Since its inception, organisations have contributed through sponsoring acquisitive prizes, the most noteworthy being Spic-N-Span in the early years, the City Council of Victor Harbor and Hills Industries. In 1994, the Club introduced the non-acquisitive Corporate Prize for the best painting in the show, funded by up to 50 "Corporate" sponsors. The corporate sponsors' package, amongst other things, places them in an annual draw for joint naming rights with the Rotary Club for the succeeding Art Show, with a representative from the successful sponsor invited to formally open the show. Warland Reserve Victor Harbor looking from Granite Island The Club wishes to acknowledge the following artists who have entered works in every art show since its inception: Barbara Bartel Margaret Lang Betty Mahoney Dorothy Thiem Joan Thompson Maureen Woods Funds generated from the shows have enabled the club to support numerous community projects over the years. Annually nearly 10,000 people view the exhibition and appreciate the high quality of the paintings presented by the artists who compete for in excess of $34,000 prize money. This is an amazing achievement for any art exhibition and the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor with its 40 members can be rightly proud of these results. Over 200 paintings are couriered from interstate, recognising the event as a highly regarded art exhibition. Victor Harbor Town Centre Map In 2004 judging of all art pieces was undertaken by respected N.S.W. artist and Judge Mr. Colin Parker who has judged more than 200 Art Shows and is a past president of the Royal Arts Society of N.S.W. Mr. Parker was very impressed with the Show, stating that "You have really got something big here". The growing success of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor Art Show can be attributed to the continuing support of sponsors, volunteers, artists, the City Council and the local community. The challenge for the future is to not only maintain but also enhance the standard and reputation of Australia's premier outdoor art show". Location Map