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Much-loved Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition returns in 2021

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Celebrating local culture, new beginnings and resilience

Artists Collective, Kangaroo Island Inc, Media Release, 12 January 2021

More than a year after bushfires devastated parts of Kangaroo Island, colour is returning to the stunning region and it can be seen on vivid display at the upcoming Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition.

Due to the bushfires and the Covid pandemic, the Exhibition was postponed in 2020 but returns on April 2 this year, with a 16-day event.

Peggy Rismiler with Eddy
Peggy Rismiller with her exhibit, ‘Eddy’ the echidna, in 2018
Photo: supplied

It will be the 35th anniversary of the now biennial event which is open to local and mainland exhibitors from all backgrounds, ages and experience.

The Easter Art Exhibition is the largest and most diverse presentation of art on Kangaroo Island – an island which arguably hosts more artists compared to any other part of regional South Australia.

Chair of the exhibition’s convening committee, Dr Peggy Rismiller, said when the event began 35 years ago only a handful of artists exhibited their work.

“From that inauspicious beginning, the dream of a proper art show gradually took hold, with a small band of volunteers launching the first official Easter Art Exhibition in 1985,” Dr Rismiller said.

“Year upon year, dozens of volunteers, including artists, have helped to decorate, hang, label, price, catalogue and cater as well as staff the hall.

Matt Nettheim
3D winner Matt Nettheim, 2018
Photo: supplied

“Now the Island – which has a population of about 4700 – has an unusually high percentage of artists, drawn by the beauty and tranquillity of the landscape, and its ability to inspire.”

This year more than 140 artists – from the Island and the mainland − are expected to enter the event, which will be held in the Penneshaw Town Hall.

The late Diana Keir, 2018
Photo: supplied

The theme for the Diana Keir Art Award − which is this major prize − is “On the Edge”, a concept many people can relate to, considering the extreme challenges of the past year.

Current works in the 2D and 3D categories are open to any subject and medium.

Overall, there are nine categories at the event, including three for children of various ages and the total pool prize is more than $10,000.

Key dates for the 2021 Kangaroo Island Arts Festival:

• Entry forms due: Sunday 28 February 2021

• Images of art due: Monday 15 March 2021

• Exhibits to be delivered to Penneshaw Hall: Sunday 21 March (3pm ─5pm) and Wednesday 24 March (10am─4pm)

• Opening night: Friday 2 April; doors open at 6.30pm

• Meet the judges: Saturday 3 April from 10.30am

• Exhibition closes: Sunday 18 April

For more information visit: https://kangarooislandartworks.com/easter-art-exhibition/

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