The annual community arts festival ‘Frost Over Barraba’ will be held in the small but creative village of Barraba next week.
Things won’t be quite the same as the almost 50-year-old arts festival continues after being on hold during COVID restrictions. The ‘Frost Over Barraba’ committee have introduced an exciting challenge for artists entering this year – the ‘Inside 55’ exhibition. Entrants have been asked to keep their artworks inside the dimension of 55cm x 55cm (x 55cm for 3D works). The idea of this size restriction is to encourage greater participation by artists who can submit works that are easier to handle and transport, and to encourage more sales.
The Art Show sections have also been simplified, in an effort to provide a more straightforward process for entrants as well as reducing the workload for the committee. Sections for the 2023 ‘Frost Over Barraba’ exhibition include: Painting, Works on Paper, Sculpture & 3D (mosaics, jewellery, metalwork, ceramics, textile etc), and Photography. Children and young artists are also invited to exhibit in the Art Show.
There are great prize incentives on offer, with $500 awarded to each Section winner. For 2023, the major prize for the best overall artwork in the ‘Frost’ exhibition has increased to $4000. These prizes are provided with thanks to the major sponsors Tamworth Regional Council and Regional Australia Bank.
All entries must be pre-registered online by today, Monday 21 August, with artworks due at the Treloar’s building gallery by Saturday 26 August. The committee has also liaised with a number of regional galleries in Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Inverell to adopt a depot and collection system to help artists and buyers transport their artworks more easily. Prize winners in the Art Show will be announced online on Thursday 31 August at 10am at the official opening of the Show.
This festival includes an ‘Arty Party’ on the Friday night, September 1. This will be a great night to appreciate great art, great food and great company. Local cellist, Emily Bishop, will provide the ambiance for the evening. Canapes and Noodle boxes by Swan Fine Food are included in the ticket price, and a licenced bar operated courtesy of the Barraba Pre-school will also be available. Tickets for the party are just $30 and available online.
The ”Frost Over Barraba’ Art Show will provide the impetus for an amazing festival atmosphere throughout the entire town. On Saturday 2nd September, Queen Street will come alive with markets, street artists, musicians and more. Local eateries have embraced the festival with special menus, and Barraba’s Commercial Hotel will also host a Motorcycle ‘Show & Shine’ with free entry from 10am.
Concert Pianist and Pipe Organist, Jane Stewart, will perform a ‘Welcome to Spring’ concert between 1 – 2pm on Barraba’s historic Pipe Organ in the Anglican Church. Musical pieces, including Pachelbel’s Canon, Satie’s Gymnopdie I and The Four Seasons by Vivaldi to name just a few, will enthral the audience. All profits for this concert will be donated to the Anglican Church of Barraba. At the conclusion of this performance, the doors of the Treloar building will open for collection of artworks.
The festival provides an opportunity to explore and experience Barraba’s public art and historic main street. As part of the Silo Art Trail, Barraba boasts the 40m high mural ‘The Water Diviner’ by Fintan Magee. Also prominent in the street is the mural adorning the Treloar’s building ‘Beyond the Walls’ by artist Jenny McCracken.
Barraba Public Art Committee member, Emily Bowman, explained that, while the silo art was well known and attracted a lot of interest, the committee hoped the street mural would encourage visitors into the town.
“The committee’s vision is to create inspiring public art that will attract visitors to our beautiful town – people who will walk down our streets, shop in our shops and stay overnight in our hotels and motels”.
More information, including entry requirements and ticket purchases can be found on the ‘Frost Over Barraba’ website www.frostoverbarraba.org.au or Facebook page www.facebook.com/FrostOverBarraba
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