The exhibition will run until June 25.
The 38 members of the Echuca-Moama Artists group have presented artworks in a variety of styles and mediums, showing the depth of the theme of “collections” with their interesting and whimsical interpretations.
Collections, which included 40 entries from 12 artists, attracted a variety of interesting pieces — from guitars to bubbles to suitcases and teddy bears
Margaret Glasson, from Moama, was the judge at the official opening and responsible for announcing the winners at the event.
Dawn McDonald won the exhibition with her Gumnut Collection, while Valerie Hill was the recipient of the Highly Commended for her piece, titled A Collective of Hair Stylists.
The Artistic Merit award was won by Bronwyn Bathgate with Rock Collection.
Alton Gallery president Joyce Dempsey said the 40 entries ranged from artists entering one piece, to others who had created six Collection-inspired artwork.
“It was a good subject,” she said.
Mrs Dempsey said last year’s Easter theme was inspired by the Echuca Regional Health Cancer and Wellness Centre and doubled as a fundraiser, which resulted in a $3000 windfall for the organisation.
This is the first exhibition that has been judged for almost two years, because of COVID-19.
Ms Glasson said she had completed judging for the gallery before, having been a tutor at the gallery on a regular basis.
“A few of the artists in the exhibition are my former students,” she said
Judging was completed on a points system, awarded on impact value, sticking to a theme, composition, creativity, use of medium, form, tone, colour and edge.
“The theme meant it was a very eclectic collection of work,” Ms Glasson said.
“I stick to those rules. It allows all the artwork, including abstract, realism, pencil work drawings, oils, watercolour and mixed medium to be judged on the same format.
“This was very hard judging, finding the winner of this exhibition was easy.”
The winner received $500, highly commended $300 and artistic merit $100.