One of only two hallmark events recognised and supported by the Eurobodalla Shire Council, River of Art engages with local Chambers of Commerce and arts groups from across the region. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
The Eurobodalla’s River of Art Festival is back and celebrating its 20th birthday in 2024, featuring open studios, galleries, workshops, performances, and events up and down the South Coast.
From Durras in the north to Bermagui in the south, artists, makers and creators from all walks of life will showcase the very best of their work at almost 100 events open to local residents and visitors from further afield from 27 September to 7 October.
The festival’s official opening will be marked at Narooma Gallery, where winners of the highly coveted River of Art Prize will be announced.
With a record number of entries this year from local and interstate artists working across multiple art forms, organisation chair Leanne Joyce doesn’t envy the judges’ role.
“There are so many entries of such high quality it’ll be a real challenge to choose the finalists, let alone the winners,” she says.
“First prize is $3500, the runner-up is awarded $1500, and a highly commended work is awarded $500. We also have a People’s Choice award, which is announced at the end of the festival.
“But there’s far more to River of Art than competition – art lovers from all over come to explore local shopfronts and galleries, participate in workshops, and enjoy live music and performances.”
Just a few of the many workshops on River of Art’s 2024 program include life drawing in Corunna, silversmithing in Tomakin and poetry in Moruya.
Bodalla’s Hunt Gather Grow store is also jumping on the events train with their Axe Handle Art competition. Store owner and competition organiser Rebecca Ray is looking forward to seeing entrants’ creativity shine.
“We are inviting anyone and everyone to decorate an axe handle with whatever medium they choose,” she says.
“Painting, carving, weaving, mosaic and other embellishments are all on the table. We have an open category and one for juniors, so everyone is included and judged fairly.
“If you’re not sure where to start, think about what you find beautiful. Is it nature? Culture? A hobby or story? You’re limited only by your own imagination.”
Axe handle art was traditionally a way for lumberjacks and tree fellers to identify their tools and to make them easier to find on the ground.
Entry to the Axe Handle Art Competition is $10. Entrants will need to source their own handle, but it doesn’t have to have an axe head attached. A $100 cash prize and Hunt Gather Grow vouchers are up for grabs.
Leanne shares her excitement for the wider festival’s 20th anniversary and love for the local art community.
“Festivals like this are so important – if you talk to local artists, they’ll tell you the River of Art is uniquely ours. It’s a chance for people who usually work in private studios to come out and showcase their talent alongside their peers.
“I’m especially excited for our centrepiece performance, Baranguba: A Tale of Noorooma. It promises to be absolutely captivating.”
Performed by the Djaadjawan Dancers, Baranguba: A Tale of Noorooma tells one of the stories of the First People of Noorooma (Narooma), their resilience, pride and strength through a unique fusion of digital technology and traditional dance.
The 2024 River of Art Festival will run across the Eurobodalla region from 27 September to 7 October. Find out more at River of Art.
The Axe Handle Art Competition will culminate in an exhibition at Hunt Gather Grow, 20 Princes Highway, Bodalla.
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