By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
THIS is an art show that prides itself on its inclusiveness.
Back for its ninth year, the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show is open for entries from people of all walks of life.
Its organisers are hoping to attract a similarly bumper crop of works as last year, which filled the community centre’s vast hall.
In 2013, there were 500 works from schools, 53 from all-abilities classes and aged care homes as well as 83 in the open section.
Watercolour painter Rosalba Velardi, who has been part of the organising committee for the past seven years, has seen the event capture more participants as it grows.
“It’s a lot of work but we always look forward to the show.”
She has painted since retiring 17 years ago.
“It’s a passion that started early in my life but I wasn’t nurtured to paint as a child. I’m making up for lost time.
“For a long time I was painting but going nowhere. It’s taken a while for me to find my style.”
Her painstakingly multi-layered floral paintings reveal surprising detail and texture.
Her garden flowers and their life cycles from bud to bloom are her inspiration.
She rarely enters art competitions, but her floral work Rosa Mutabilis and her riverscape Port of Echuca took out major categories at last year’s show.
Lyndhurst MP Martin Pakula, who opened the show’s pre-launch last week, said he’d been “amazingly impressed” by the artwork – especially by children – showcased at last year’s event.
“I’m sure we will once again see some fantastic works of art (this year).”
The show is at Noble Park Community Centre, Ross Reserve, from 10 to 12 October.
To enter, go to nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au/art-show or phone 9547 5801.
