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Artists from across Queensland have put their work on display in Ayr, with 187 entries received for the 2026 Annual Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition.
The exhibition opened at the Burdekin Theatre foyer on Saturday 29th August, and will remain open from 10am to 4pm each day until Saturday 5th September, coinciding with the Burdekin Water Festival Mardi Gras and Parade.
Entry is free, with visitors able to view and purchase works across a range of categories including acrylic, oil, mixed media, pastels, watercolour and drawing.
Kerrie Christensen took out the exhibition’s $1000 Open Prize for her drawing Pretty Little Girl.
The exhibition also features dedicated categories and prizes for Burdekin artists, as well as a children’s section which attracted strong participation this year.
Generous sponsorship from businesses across the Burdekin and Townsville has allowed the society to offer monetary prizes and attract artists from throughout Queensland.
The annual exhibition also helps promote the Burdekin as a destination for artists, with entrants travelling to the region to take part.
Exhibition coordinators Tamika Savorgnan and Joanne Barbagallo have worked with the Burdekin Art Society committee since April to organise this year’s event.
Their preparations included securing sponsors, allocating prize money, distributing and processing entry forms and coordinating the exhibition’s set-up.
Townsville artist Carole Howlett, an accredited external judge, assessed this year’s entries and awarded the prizes.
Burdekin Art Society members also volunteered to set up and dismantle the exhibition.
The society was established 55 years ago by Cecilia Spottiswood and a group of artists and community members.
It has since evolved through several meeting places and locations, providing local artists with opportunities to paint, develop their skills and build friendships.
The society is now based at 154 Macmillan Street, Ayr, where members have painted murals across the building and transformed it into an art gallery showcasing their work.
Members meet at the gallery every Tuesday from 9.30am to noon to paint, exchange ideas and socialise.
The society also holds weekend seminars throughout the year, with accredited trainers helping members develop their skills across different artistic mediums.
New members of all skill levels are welcome.
For more information, contact president Luisa Delle-Baite on 0448 509 927 or email burdekinartsocietyince@gmail.com.
Contributed by the Burdekin Art Society
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