Balranald Art Gallery welcomed art lovers through its doors on Friday night for the opening of Miniatures in May, with the exhibition’s second year already surpassing its debut in both the number of entries and participating artists.
Deputy Mayor Dwaine Scott officially opened the event, which has quickly established itself as a highlight on the regional arts calendar.
This year’s competition drew artists from a wide catchment area, with entries coming from Balranald, Mildura, Swan Hill, Melbourne, Griffith, Leeton and beyond, a strong sign of the exhibition’s growing reputation.
The task of judging fell to Sue Grieves, a Yass-based artist who faced no easy decisions given the quality and variety of works on display across multiple categories.
When the ribbons were finally awarded, the winners were:
- Sculpture – Tracy O’Halloran (Balranald)
- Watercolour – Sharon Pate (Mildura)
- Oil/Acrylic – Teresa Siemaa (Bendigo)
- Pastel – Wendy Hart (Binya)
- Any Other Medium – Marj Francis
- Emerging Artist – Sharon Pate (Mildura) and Catherine Schoot (Griffith)
The exhibition would not be possible without the generous support of its major sponsors; long-time gallery patrons Ken and June Spinks, Ange and Bill Harben, and Andrew Peace Wines.
For those yet to visit, every artwork in the show is available for purchase, with prices starting from just $30, less than the cost of a mass-produced print from a chain store. Miniatures in May is well worth a visit while it’s on.
This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 27 May 2026.
