The team behind the Rotary Easter Art Show - Deniliquin Rotary and the Edward River Art Society - will make it a true showcase, with plans to incorporate new prize categories and live music.
And for the first time, the demonstrating artist will actually be a collection of various artists past and present - the local indigenous community.
ERAS president Louise Graham said they could not let the 30th anniversary show pass without planning “something different”.
“With it being a milestone year, we started thinking about what we could do that’s special,” she said.
“It is out 30th anniversary show, so we want to make it fabulous for everyone
“The idea is to better involve our youth and indigenous groups, so we have been collaborating with Yarkuwa Indigegenous Knowledge Centre in regards to demonstrating artists.
“We’ve talked about weaving workshops and perhaps a showcase of artefacts, with indigenous community members on hand to offer explanations.
“They will have their own space and there may even be other activities.”
To better engage youth artists, ERAS has included a youth prize to the Art Show for the first time.
Mrs Graham said it is open to artists aged 12-18.
“There is a significant prize attached to this category, with $350 for first prize and $150 for second.
“Our members have been approached by various people about there not being enough for youth in our community, and how could we maybe meet that need.
“Arts and culture has always lagged behind in Deniliquin and this will give young people with artistic merit a chance to exhibit.
“Easter is a fabulous time for the town, and it would be great exposure for them.
“We (ERAS) are also going to start having Sunday sessions - perhaps the last Sunday of each month - which will be open to all ages; an intergenerational session.”
Another new prize category this year will expand on the sculpture category, which has been gaining in popularity.
The section has been predominantly populated by metal sculptures in recent years, but Mrs Graham said there are so many other forms of art that could be including in the new 3D freestanding artworks category.
A large artworks category has also been introduced, which Mrs Graham said may see the art show require a second venue for the overspill of art not able to fit into the Deniliquin Multi Arts Centre.
Mrs Graham said returning after being introduced last year is the local scene art category, which she said appeals to buyers and also makes people think about our region in different ways.
The Rotary Easter Art Show, as always , will open with a gala evening on Thursday, April 6. The show will then open to the public from Good Friday, April 7 to Easter Monday, April 10.
Artists entries are expected to open soon, and this year will be an online process.
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