Cockburn artists in spotlight this March
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After cancellation due to COVID-19 in 2020, Cockburn’s very own annual ‘Show Off’ art exhibition will turn sweet 16 this year, with 68 Cockburn artists set to showcase their art from 20-28 March.
Apart from being a year later than planned, Show Off 16 (Take 2) will also bear another hallmark of the pandemic, but a positive one.
An online gallery of the work being exhibited by each artist, along with a profile, will be available to view for two weeks from 23 March on the City’s website. Keep an eye on our socials for a link to view.
Another positive outcome is that we have 15 brand new exhibitors in this year’s event.
City of Cockburn Art & Culture Coordinator Cassandra Cooper has curated all 16 Show Off exhibitions, with the first held at the City’s Civic Centre (now Cockburn Seniors Centre) 18 years ago.
Ms Cooper said Show Off was unique because it did not charge artists to exhibit, nor did the City take a commission on sold works.
“In the 18 years since Show Off began, the City has purchased about 70 artworks valued at around $60,000 to add to its art collection,” she said.
“The City of Cockburn values the contribution the thriving local arts community adds to the value of Cockburn’s cultural life and history.”
Show Off began in 2003 and was to be held every two years, but after the second year it was so popular with artists, the City decided to make it an annual event.
Show Off moved from the Civic Centre to the upstairs function room at the City’s Administration Centre before relocating to its current home at Memorial Hall in Hamilton Hill in 2008.
Since Show Off began it has exhibited works collectively valued at more than $2.2 million, featuring 775 exhibitors, starting with 19 in the inaugural show to nearly 70 for 2021’s much-anticipated event.
Six artists have exhibited in every show since the exhibition began: Larry Mitchell, George Haynes, Jane Martin, Sharyn Egan, Trevor Vickers and Neda Starac.
Show Off 16 will be open to the public 10am-3pm daily from Saturday 20 March until Wednesday, 28 March at Memorial Hall, on the corner of Rockingham Road and Carrington Street. Entry is free.