Exmouth arts showcase draws big crowds

Exmouth’s vibrant art scene was the centre of attention last month with a spectacular week- long exhibition taking over the Tantabiddi Art Gallery in the Ningaloo Centre.

The annual ArtQuest exhibition, presented by the Exmouth Cultural Art Centre, opened on Friday, August 16, with more than 300 locals and tourists treated to nearly 100 pieces of locally produced artwork.

During the course of the next week, a further 500 people visited the showcase and art sale which consisted of paintings, photography and sculptures.

ECAC ArtQuest sub-committee member Tiff Clitheroe said she was surprised and delighted by the amount of people who attended the opening night.

“Just seeing people walking through the door and being blown away by the amount and variety of local artwork on the walls — and that was just the tip of the iceberg,” she said.

“Hopefully it will attract more attention to the arts in Exmouth and give local artists a platform on which to build themselves and their artwork.”

A children’s art competition was also held as part of the exhibition this year, with prizes sponsored by Mrs Mac’s Shed, ensuring the next generation of Exmouth artists are also being nurtured.

Lucy Rimmer (ages 15-17), Elke Ruthven (ages 12-14), Gwen Ruthven (ages 9-11) and Jaspa Wekwerth (ages 6-8) won first place in their age categories.

Ms Clitheroe won the adults people’s choice award for her masterpiece titled Master of All and None, while Alana McKenzie came in runner-up with The Cove.

ECAC has secured three years worth of Shire of Exmouth grant funding, providing financial security to embark on a growth plan to raise the profile of the annual exhibition into a significant event on the regional WA arts calendar.