Historically, Art4CFA has been hosted at District 12 rural brigades such as Trawool, Tallarook, Hilldene, Glenaroua and Whiteheads Creek.
But, this time, the exhibition will spotlight the Pyalong brigade’s new digs — the new facilities having opened in October last year.
Organiser and artist Lynda Robinson said the new location of the exhibition wasn’t the only thing that separated it from previous years’ shows.
“This year, (the exhibition) will be on display for a whole new audience as well as our regular attendees,” Ms Robinson said.
“Also, we have received some amazing donations this year — a couple of artists are fully donating their work to the brigade, and not taking any commission.
“We will also have a Small Treasures display this year from Friday until Monday, featuring handmade articles, such as baskets and ceramics.”
The exhibition will feature 132 works, with mediums ranging from oil, watercolour, pastel and acrylic to mixed media and sculpture.
There will also be the return of the Artists’ Challenge, which invites the 14 artists involved to produce a work using the same reference image.
The Lee Stephenson Award, honouring the memory of the former CFA communications officer who began the exhibition, will make a comeback as well, allowing visitors to vote for their favourite artwork.
Ms Robinson said there would also be a special work on display.
“A Pyalong local identity has donated a large, valuable oil painting by well-known Castlemaine artist Brian Nunan, which is sure to be an impressive addition to our exhibition,” she said.
Each year, Art4CFA is held over the Easter weekend — harnessing the increase in tourists to draw more people to the brigade.
While local art is certainly celebrated, it’s this spotlighting of District 12’s smallest stations that forms the true meaning of the show.
“The main aim is to give the public an opportunity to view the inside of a small, rural fire brigade and its workings, while as a drawcard, a group of artists convert the engine bay into an art gallery,” Ms Robinson said.
“It will raise awareness of the role that a small brigade provides for the town and surrounding community, as well as raising funds for new equipment.
“Bringing members of the community into the station, who may never have set foot inside a fire station, could possibly attract new membership to the CFA.”
Art4CFA runs between 10am and 4pm from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5, and 10am to 1pm on Monday, April 6.
All are welcome to attend the opening night on Thursday, April 2 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, where the exhibition will be opened by Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall and refreshments will be provided by the brigade and McIvor Estate Wines.
Entry is by gold coin donation, and there will also be $5 door prizes on offer, with entrants having the chance to win a range of artworks, as well as an Easter basket.
For more information, visit the Art4CFA Facebook page.
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