44th Apollo Bay Art Show

from Otway Journal - Coming Back to Earth

The Wolves of Lenteme

Each day artists paint, sculpt, print, weave and express themselves with their hands and eyes. These moments of creation are often private; they may be powerful, peaceful, or simply practical. A professional doing their work. The second step in the life of art is sharing. Artists, even the most reclusive, must set loose their finished works into their culture. Art shows, galleries, private showings, Instagram and Facebook all play a part in this sharing. This disease that has swept through our world has changed so much in such a short time. For some artists, there has been more time and, in many instances, enforced isolation. For some, this has provided disciplined time to focus on producing work. A victim of this ill wind, though, was the closure of many of those avenues for sharing art. We have adjusted as best we could, as we investigate ways to reclaim human connection, sharing artist endeavour without allowing the pandemic to spread. In this often rational world, a work of art is a piece of magic.... this is the gift that artists share with any who are willing. For 43 years, the Apollo Bay Art Show has taken place every year in our Summer holidays, opening around Boxing Day and extending into the New Year. This year, though, we have been set back. It has been a shock. We have had to plan carefully and there has been many conversations to come to a resolve.

There was a 44th Apollo Bay Art Show. Beginning April 2, Good Friday 2021. It ran for 9 days closing Saturday the 10th of April 2021. We installed our physical exhibition in the Senior Citizens Hall, at 4 Whelan St, Apollo Bay. Three months later than tradition, and there was still the feeling that a new, necessary lock-down might seal the doors before they could open. So, we online went as well. We expanded our website to put the entire show online. No matter where you were for Easter 2021 you can visit the online gallery to see the excellent art. Were you at our show, one of the many people who support our show every year might stand next to you and pass on some stories of various works. Our community loves to tell you the personal story behind the creations. This is the challenge sharing online, it’s slightly less personal. Please remember that these virtual walls hold hours, even days of passion and skill, and there is a story behind each finished piece. If there is no one able to stand by and tell you the story, you might have to imagine it. apollobayartshow.com