The Alton Gallery got a special guest judge, Campaspe Mayor Rob Amos, to pick a winner for its annual Easter members competition.
Cr Amos walked around the Hare St gallery, looking through the different entrants of the Things With Wings exhibit, ultimately crowning Marie Ritchie’s Ibis breakfast by the Dam.
“The one that I picked reminded me of my travels. I love to travel in the outback, and that’s what it really reminded me of,” Cr Amos said.
“I think art sometimes just gives you a feeling, and that’s sometimes why you like a piece of art.”
Although he eventually picked a winner, Cr Amos said several pieces caught his eye — a testament to the local talent.
“I constantly say this, but the number of talented people, whether it be an art or sport or whatever it is in our area, continues to surprise me,” he said.
“This is another example of amazing pictures that people have spent time putting together for this art exhibition, and they’ve done an amazing job.
“I would really encourage people to come down and have a look for themselves and perhaps buy a picture.”
Echuca Moama Artists president Joyce Dempsey said having the mayor judge the competition this year was splendid.
“We’re very fortunate that he had the free time. He was very impressed with the variety, and some of them resonated with him in his personal life,” she said.
The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, March 30, to June 29.
The gallery encourages people visiting the region over the Easter weekend to come and take a look.
Alton Gallery is open between 10am and 2pm on Fridays and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.