This year, we proudly celebrated our 15th Easter Art Show, blessed with fantastic weather throughout the weekend. The beautiful conditions allowed members and guests to relax and enjoy the deck area for extended periods. It was a pleasure to welcome back our sponsors, artists, BYS members, and visitors.
Once again, we showcased a wonderful range of artistic works across various media. The indoor and outdoor sculptures added an extra dimension to the show, which was very well received. The Office is still finalizing the results, but feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief that we continue to host the ‘best show’ on the Mornington Peninsula. This year, we exhibited 340 works, including 118 sculptures, contributed by 114 talented artists.
Our Opening Function on Good Friday was sold out in advance. Martin Kudnig served as MC for the evening, and Councillor Andrea Allen officially opened the 2025 Easter Art Show. It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all, proudly sponsored by Belle Property, Blairgowrie, and Crittenden Estate. We extend a special thank you to the Brown Family for their generous support of the Art Show.
Guests had the opportunity to meet and chat with the artists while enjoying delicious gourmet canapés. This year’s feature artists were Mel Rayski-Mati, Jordan Richardson, and Wilma Green. Our judge, Laura Castagnini, announced the artist awards, which were as follows:
Best in Show sponsored by Fitzpatrick & Co Insurance Brokers – Vanessa Kelly “Dingies at Camerons Bight”
Best Oil sponsored by MST Lawyers – Sandra Karick “Magic Wave”
Best Acrylic sponsored by the Kudnig Family – Lisa O’Keefe “The Theatre of Lost and Found”
Best Pastel sponsored by Mike Trumble – Peter Fielding “Caught Anything Yet?”
Highly Commended Pastel – Maureen Kirsch “Point Lonsdale Lighthouse”
Best Watercolour Sponsored by The Lewis Family – Brooke Ayton “Cape Conran”
Highly Commended Watercolour – Wilma Green “Old Woolshed”
Best Photography sponsored by Jenni McLean & John Coppock – Patti Green “Clouds”
Highly Commended Photography – Amanda Stuart “A Pelican in Flight in Blairgowrie”
Best Indoor Sculpture sponsored by Maw Civil Pty Ltd – Marta Gola & John Stroomer “Vessell 1”
Highly Commended Indoor Sculpture – Tracy Muirhead : “Aqua Nest”
Best Outdoor Sculpture sponsored by Accru Melbourne – Mel Rayski-Mati “Cubes”
Best Other Media sponsored by Jenni McLean & John Coppock – Janis Taber “Old Timer at the Briars
People’s Choice Award sponsored by Adri & Ken Godfrey was won by Craig Davy “Changing Tide.
Once again, the exhibition was refreshed with the addition of 34 new artists. The continued success of the Art Show is largely thanks to the diversity and outstanding quality of the works on display, as well as the generous support of BYS members and the general public who purchase the artworks — support that is greatly appreciated. All funds raised through the Easter Art Show go directly towards supporting our rescue boat fleet.
Andrea Devereux
BYS Easter Art Show
Opening Night Function 2025 L – R: John Best, Gordon Kleinert, Natascha Boehm, Andrea Devereux & Sally Derham.
Art Show Thank You
The Art Show could not have been possible without a dedicated team of volunteers coordinating the Art Show and BYS members should be appreciative of their efforts. A big thank you to Sally Derham, John Best, Gordon Kleinert, Natascha Boehm and Andrea Devereux who were assisted by Felicia & David Brown, Tom Opie, Pat, Adita & Harriette Singh, Paul, Jacqui, James & Fran Devereux, Anna Say, Tom Blake, Usha Kanniappan, Beverley Lloyd, Linda Kendle, Ann Thornburn, Valerie Perin, Caroline Taylor, Marie & Martin Kudnig, Jane Dunn, Di Kleinert, Marg Chalmers, Agnes Campbell, Eily Watson, Barbara Wilson, Richard Backwell, Garry Connolly, Penny Frielink, Robyn King, Faye Bilston, Jan Prowse, Marilyn Cunnington, Kaye Baker, Wendy Holden, Chrissie O’Neill, Penny Doery, Marilyn Cunnington, Pauline Downes, Hugh Backwell, Georgina & John Plumridge, Coralyn Wickham, Sandy Lindholm, Sam Edleston, Penny Burns, Jennifer Batrouney, Tracey De Poi, Carmel Burgess, Lynne Bailey, Al Hose, Louise Donne, Ann Harding, Tony Fraser, Angela Nickless, Ross Kendle, Phil Colman, Mandy McGrath, Jack Noakes, Linda Kendle and Joan MacQuarrie.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Office and Harbour staff, along with all the Food & Beverage team, for their incredible support, hard work, and good humour both leading up to and during the Art Show.
Importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our Easter Art Show sponsors and supporters. Their generous contributions provide everything from artist prize money to the fabulous items featured in our Silent Auction and Raffle.
BYS Art Show would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who have supported the Art Show;
Belle Property, Blairgowrie; The Brown Family; Jennings and Sons; Koonya General Store; Sorrento Community Centre; Truemans Golf Range; Richard Gilhome; Moodys Blairgowrie; White Cliffs Camerons Bight Foreshore Committee; Fitzpatrick & Co Insurance Brokers; Lyndways Pty Ltd; Jenni Mclean and John Coppock; Crittenden Estate; Mike Trumble; Maw Civil Pty Ltd; Kudnig Family; Accru Melbourne; Godfrey Family; MST Lawyers; Horner Recruitment; Lewis Family; Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club; Searoad Ferries
BYS Art Show is grateful for the support of the following people and businesses who have donated items for our Silent Auction and Raffle;
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron; Jordan Richardson; Mel Rayski-Mati; Wilam Green; Mitch Brice; Leisl Jackson; Mitre 10 Womersley’s Sorrento; Saltwater Sorrento; Portsea Estate; Albumworks; Toscanos; Rue the Label; Paringa Estate; Alba Thermal Springs; The Continental Sorrento; Bunnings Rosebud; Rolla’s Jeans; Montalto; Zoe’s Kitchen and Living; Hydracell; Endota Spa; Brighton Eyewear; Abrand Jeans; Tilnak Fine Art Portraits; Blairgowrie Pottery; Neuw Denim; The Lewicki Family
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