General News
25 September, 2025
Hopetoun turns bright and beautiful
For the third year running, the Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish’s annual art exhibition has exceeded expectations, with the Hopetoun Powerhouse Arts Studio brimming with colour, creativity and community spirit.
With the theme ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful,’ the exhibition showcases a rich mix of painting, photography, patchwork, sculpture and more.
Thirty-four artists contributed, including creators from Melbourne, Mildura, South Australia, Rainbow, Hopetoun and Woomelang.
Twenty-one people attended the official opening, a smaller gathering than previous years but no less enthusiastic, with visitors from Mildura, Hopetoun, Rainbow and Carisbrook.
Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker opened the event alongside guest artist, photographer Reverend Gordon Wild.
Exhibition organiser Susan Pearse said the response to the exhibition had been overwhelmingly positive.
“The response from people has been amazing, and those who have visited in the first three days have been amazingly positive,” she said.
The exhibition also celebrates contributions from all residents of Corrong Village and students of St Joseph’s School.
Each month, the students visit the Lodge to create crafts alongside residents, with some of that work now on display.
Ms Pearse said the theme inspired participants of all ages.
“The theme ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ was an inspiration for the work, and Norma Decker, Lifestyle Coordinator at the Lodge, was thrilled to have the theme to work towards,” she said.
Ms Pearse noted that while they don’t always ask for visitors’ hometowns, people are travelling from across the region to view the display.
Some pieces have already sold, and Ms Pearse said she feels privileged to see another successful exhibition come to life.
“Thrilled and gratified and grateful to the community for their support across all levels – planning, preparation, set up and pack up, artists contributing, volunteers making scones and manning the exhibition, sharing with friends, and responding so positively to the work,” she said.
Rev Wild took inspiration from his invitation, choosing to print and frame his photography for the first time.
He also addressed the Sunday church service, sharing words to inspire those present.
Ms Pearse thanked all the visitors, exhibitors, volunteers and community members for another bright and beautiful exhibition.