CREATIVITY has swept the 2019 Mount Gambier Spring Show, with everything from wooden cameras and kookaburras knitted from wool on display at this year’s indoor section.
With entry numbers on par with previous years, a spike in the number of junior entries has reassured the volunteer committee craftsmanship will continue for shows to come.
Indoor section arts and craft chairperson Kerry Hill said the quality had been outstanding, particularly in the adult sections.
“It always blows us away,” she said.
“I think all the individual groups such as the embroider and the patch-workers motivate each other to strive for their best quality work.
“Sometimes you look at the item and wonder how they have come up with their innovative designs.”
Ms Hill said the standard of entries increase each year, with many entrants competing in the Royal Adelaide Show competition and continuing their successes.
“We always see large support through schools in the junior categories and there are large numbers in horticulture and art,” she said.
“A judge did comment this year on the high standard coming out of high school.”
With competitors from across the Limestone Coast and as far as Adelaide, Ms Hill said she was constantly astounded by the effort people make to enter the indoor exhibition.
“Some of the ladies who live in Adelaide package their gear and send it down here for display,” Ms Hill said.
Ms Hill said each year the indoor section committee discussed new ideas to make sure the exhibit sections were relevant.
“We want to offer variety and make sure there are options for the new techniques which come through the doors,” she said.
“I know I personally enjoy catching up with everybody and a lot of the time you do not see judges from one year to another.
“It is the inspiration you get from seeing other people’s work and the high levels of creativity you see which keeps you coming back.”
Ms Hill said judging had taken place over the past week and was likely to be completed before the show gates open at 9am today.
“Patchwork can be patchwork but it is the way these people put their designs and colours together which leaves you speechless,” she said.
“Sometimes the design can be motivated by something special in their life.
“It is seen right across the indoor section and I think it is because we have many people who are passionate about what they do.”
The Mount Gambier Spring Show will be open to the public this morning until 10pm and from 10.30am to 10pm tomorrow.
