The Tumut Art Society recently concluded its 68th annual art exhibition in regional New South Wales, marking a successful two-week event that drew approximately 500 visitors. The show featured 39 sales across both physical and virtual platforms and distributed $15,000 in prize money across nine categories. Melbourne artist Nina Volk emerged as the primary winner, securing both the prestigious Bendigo Bank Acquisitive Award for her work "The Storm is Coming" and the People’s Choice Award for "Grazing in the Autumn Mist."
This long-running exhibition underscores the vital role of community-driven art societies in sustaining cultural engagement within rural Australia. By combining local business sponsorship with a hybrid sales model, the event demonstrates how regional galleries are adapting to modern markets while maintaining traditional community ties. The success of the 68th edition ensures the continued operation of the 5Ways studio as a creative hub for local education and regional artistic development.