Arts

Art collectors, shrewd investors and casual viewers alike are invited to the first and longest running art show in the Blue Mountains during the first weekend in August.

The 42^nd Springwood Art Show, which helped establish the Blue Mountains’ reputation as an arts hub and recognised "city of the arts", will again showcase the best established and emerging talent in the area.

The art show, which features more than 400 pieces of original art from more than 100 predominantly local artists, is an opportunity for artists to showcase their work to shrewd investors and art collectors as well as casual buyers.

As well as painting, sculpture and photography, the art show includes a range of quality artisan crafts such as leather handbags, jewellery, woodwork and textiles.

Held at Springwood High School and co-ordinated by the Parents & Citizens Association (P&C), the event directly supports students of the school with 25 per cent of all sales of artworks and crafts, and all money raised from admission, café and raffle used to buy educational resources.

P&C president Julia Thurling says, "The art show is a long-recognised event on the wider community calendar and is attended by several thousand people

"So not only do artists have the opportunity to sell pieces directly to an interested market, the 25 per cent we retain from sales is a very competitive gallery commission which directly benefits the wellbeing of students of Springwood High School."

School principal Dr Mark Howie urged visitors to pay special attention to the student artworks, which were a highlighted feature of the art show.

"The many regular buyers know the standard of our student art is extremely high and there are always sales by discerning investors."

The school also appreciated the involvement of the professional arts community, including Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and established, recognised artists for many years, he said.

Springwood Art Show will be held at Springwood High School, Grose Rd, Faulconbridge, from August 3 to 5, with an official opening program on the Friday evening and activities and a café throughout the weekend. Head to springwoodartshow.org.au for more information.

More than $5,000 worth of prizes is available including the $1500 Rose Lindsay prize sponsored by Harvey Norman. Other prizes includes those for photography, portrait, landscape, ecology and young artist as well as specific Springwood High School student prizes.

Register your interest in submitting art to springwoodartshow@gmail.com phone Rod on 4751-8245 for other information.

Pics: Courtesy of Deep Hill Media.