Eve Lamb
Castlemaine Rotary has celebrated some significant local arts talent with its annual Paul Harris Fellow Awards ahead of what’s shaping as a bumper art show.
At its awards evening held at Mount Alexander Golf Club last Wednesday, the club presented its Paul Harris Fellow honours, named after the Rotary movement’s Chicago-based founder, to local artists Geoff Hocking and Catherine Tait.
Both renowned artists have been longtime supporters of the annual Rotary Art Show that’s preparing to make its post-COVID comeback this year with a cracker show.
“It’s going to be huge,” club president Lyn Ellery said.
“We’ve got 450 entries.”
The 33rd annual Art Show will take place in the Castlemaine Town Hall over the upcoming June Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
“There’s been a great level of support for this year’s show from both our artists and our very generous business sponsors which, after a two-year COVID-induced absence, is wonderful to see,” Castlemaine Rotary Club Foundation chair Robert Cordy said.
“Opening night is Thursday June 9, commencing at 7pm. Everyone is welcome with tickets available at the door for $20, which includes a glass of wine on arrival, savouries and musical entertainment.”
Newly named Paul Harris Fellow award recipient Catherine Tait noted that all proceeds from the annual event benefited the local community through various projects and donations.
At its awards evening the club also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow to the club’s immediate past president Christine Barkla.
“Straight to the pool room,” said Christine, after taking possession of her award.
Another member, Gary McClure, was presented with a very special Paul Harris Fellow five-point sapphire award in recognition of personal contributions to the Rotary Foundation and long-standing tireless commitment to the organisation.
The Rotary Art Show will run from Friday June 10 through to Monday June 13 and will open daily from 10am with tickets available at the door for $5.
