Dardanup Art Spectacular wraps up for 2024 following record-breaking 20th anniversary exhibition

The Dardanup Art Spectacular has wrapped up for another year following a record-breaking exhibition with 286 entries received from 155 artists for the weekend showcase of art.

It also marked the 20th anniversary of the event, with the exhibition opening and awards night held on Friday, which saw $10,000 in prize money handed out to winners in 10 categories.

Andy Dolphin took out the main Shire of Dardanup-sponsored prize for his painting Evening Walk.

An art trail held on Saturday and Sunday attracted hundreds of locals and art lovers to locations across Dardanup, the Ferguson Valley and Crooked Brook.

Wineries, historic buildings and home studios played host to 32 artists sharing the stories of their work with the public, with more than 30 additional sculptures wowing visitors on the Peppermint Lane Lodge-coordinated Ferguson Follies Sculpture Trail.

Dardanup Art Spectacular president Kerry Lowe said the exhibition provided a great opportunity for established artists and also those wanting to build up their confidence with exhibiting.

“(It) was created to encourage our local young and emerging artists to enter a competition and to provide a platform for them to have their art recognised,” she said.

“It’s incredibly exciting seeing the new works of painting, three-dimensional art and photography arrive each year. I am astounded by the quality and imagination of our artists.”