Entries are now open for the 36th Immanuel Arts Festival. Presented by Immanuel’s Parents & Friends Community, the festival will open to the general public from 26-29 May and is an opportunity for local artists – including students – to showcase their talent and increase their public profile.

This year’s feature artists are painter Yuki Cheetham (Artist in Focus), printmaker Victoria Atkins (Artist in Residence) and photographer Brett McIntosh (Artist in Residence). “Last year, nearly 2,000 visitors enjoyed the festival and nearly $15,000 worth of artwork was sold,” said Convenor Melissa Evans. “Artists can enter a range of categories including painting, mixed media, sculpture, photography, wearable and creative arts,” said Mrs Evans.

Yuki Cheetham has always loved to paint and produces work renowned for its colour and vibrancy. “For many years I’ve worked on a technique of building up colour by layering. My aim is to produce paintings alive with colour, movement and harmony that take viewers on a personal journey. My greatest delight is to see people smile as they enjoy my work,” said Yuki.

Victoria Atkins’ works are usually one-offs, with most of her energy spent developing the print plate. “One of the exciting things about printmaking is that you are always surprised. You never know what will happen when you take the print off the plate. Experimenting is a big part of my work, it’s always a great rush when you discover something new,” said Victoria.

What:     LAUNCH of the 36th Immanuel Arts Festival
Where:  Immanuel Lutheran College, 126-142 Wises Road, Buderim, 11.00am, Friday 26 February
Who:      Artist in Focus Yuki Cheetham, Artists in Residence Victoria Atkins and Brett McIntosh

The cost of entering the Festival is $15.00 per artist for one piece and $30.00 for up to three pieces. All artwork exhibited is on sale for the duration of the Festival. With nearly $5,000 in cash and prizes, major awards include Outstanding Work of Festival with $1,000 in prize money and the increasingly popular People’s Choice Award, with $500.00 prize money.

The 2016 Immanuel Arts Festival is proudly sponsored by Mix FM, My Weekly Preview, Sunshine Cove Maroochydore, The Inkspot Printers, Medicine on Second and Immanuel Lutheran College. Conditions of entry and entry forms are now available at The Immanuel Arts Festival website.