Wangi Lions Club’s Festival Celebrates its 45th Year

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

In the first weekend of June, Wangi Lions Club held their annual Dobell Festival of Art and Craft.

Over its 45-year history, the festival has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious art and craft festivals in New South Wales.

This year’s two-day event raised in excess of $20,000 and included 320 paintings and over 1000 pieces of craft.

Over the years, funds raised have supported local families experiencing hardships; domestic violence services; women’s refuges; drug and alcohol services; food relief; children’s services; mental health and special needs services; as well as local schools and sporting groups in the District.

Jane Smith of Wangi Lions Club credits Keith McBurney, who has been the Dobell Festival Chairperson for the past 7 years, and Warren Jeffers, the primary sponsorship facilitator, as being the “nuts and bolts of the festival”.

Named after esteemed local artist Sir William Dobell, this year’s festival came to life after 8 weeks of hard work by members of Wangi Lions Club and approximately 30 volunteers.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to socialise with the community, as each year many volunteer and become a part of the festival,” said Smith.

Wangi Lions Dobell Festival of Art and Craft provides a great opportunity for Lake Macquarie residents to come together as a community and celebrate the promising artists of the area.

You can see the full list of winners below.

Keep up to date with Wangi Lions Club here.

Section 1 – Landscape

Jill Cairns – “Here I Stand”

Section 2 – Figurative 

Sue Rosalind Vesely – “Ascension”

Section 3 – Still Life

Rene Berger – “Still Life with Winter Shadows”

Section 4 – ‘After Dobell’

Christine Galvin – “Faithful Companion”

Section 5 – Youth Primary

Louis Poelaert – “Elephant in the Room”

Section 6 – Youth Secondary

Peyton Hardesty – “Peter Spider Morph”

2022 Awards for Craft Section

Dobell Craft Prize

Noelene Farrell

 

Needlework/Knitting

Karen Murray

Pottery 

Sue Stewart

Ceramics

Rebecca Irving

Jewellery

Joanne Wiltshire

Miscellaneous

Janelle Hampton