THE Coochie Art Group launched their annual show at the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club hall as a prelude to the island’s Matthew Flinders Day celebrations.
The increasingly popular show drew a crowd on opening night on July 13.
The large attendance continued through the weekend until the show closed two days later.
Popularity and crowd numbers were such that the organisers put on a shuttle bus service from the Coochiemudlo Island ferry terminal to the venue.
Cr Lance Hewlett opened the event with the presentation of an achievement award to popular local identity Mary Preston who has been a driving force behind the show since its inception more than a decade ago.
Coochiemudlo Island has always had a large pool of talented artists who have attained a loyal following among local and visiting collectors and are renowned for the range of mediums they employ.
Many retirees who move the island take up painting or other artwork as a hobby only to find they have a depth of talent which had previously been untapped.
Show organiser Kate Brooks said sales of works over the weekend was brisk with exhibitors more than satisfied with the reception of their offerings.
“There were many positive comments about the range and quality of the artwork on display,” Ms Brooks said.
