Kenilworth Artsfest Silver Jubilee

Kenilworth ArtsFest from May 26-28 is an exciting time for this “little town with the big art”! They are celebrating their Silver Jubilee – 25 years of presentation of art works and encouragement for artists.

The visual arts are always a joy to see with so many talented artists entering the ArtsFest competition with its major prize of $5 000 for the Kenilworth Art Award and $1 000 for general 2D works. And not forgetting the creative 3D artists, with prizes for this category and a special prize for an outdoor 3D work made from recycled materials. Now, there’s a challenge for you! (Artists, there is still time to enter, with the closing date being midnight on May 15.)

James Stickland is a passionate Sunshine Coast-based fine artist, working with oils, who won the Jean Glanville Encouragement Award and the Kenilworth Art Award. ”Kenilworth Arts Fest has a huge impact on our local creative community,” James said, “not only showcasing our local talent, but giving local artists a platform for the public to view their works.”

However, it’s not all visual arts. On Saturday May 27, at “Poetry at the Pub” from 2.30pm with guest poet Irish Joe Lynch, and budding bards can present their original poetic works. At 4.30pm, the music jam session starts with lively songs from The Kenilworth Singers. Bring along your acoustic instrument and join in the fun! As well as entertainment, there are prizes to be won.

A Family Fun Day on May 28, is filled with activities for children, and will be hosted by the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and Kenilworth Arts Council at the Showgrounds.

Chamber President, Ron Perel said, “There will be stalls and lots of fun activities including a jumping castle, free kites to fly, face painting and some fun and nonsense competitions such as decorating anything with a handle or anything with wheels.”

Kenilworth ArtsFest is also running art and poetry competitions for children. Children’s Art Coordinator, Sarah Sigley, invites children of all ages to enter the Children’s Art Competition where the theme is Heroes and Villains.

“Children can be so creative,” Sarah commented, “so we should see some fantastic artwork.” Entry to Family Fun Day activities is free.

All in all, the Silver Jubilee of Kenilworth ArtsFest promises to be a wonderful weekend of art, music, poetry and lots of fun. What a great way to celebrate 25 years of art in “the bush behind the beach”!