After a year-long hiatus, one of Roxburgh Park’s most anticipated creative events is back.
The 2025 Bridgewater Lake Art Show will take place on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 at the Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate, 9 Wedgewood Road.
More than 50 artists will display up to 300 pieces ranging from paintings and photography to mosaics and mixed media.
Local artist and organiser Nicola Kelly said show is more than an art event – it’s a vital space that brings people together and reminds artists of the unique value in what they create.
“It inspires me to keep painting, to try different mediums, to try different ways of doing things,” she said.
Kelly began painting in 2000, often bringing her daughter – who has down syndrome – along to local art groups.
“She would sit with her pencil and paper, and do these little flowers with lovely colours,” Kelly said.
“And every year she sold everything, I sold nothing.
“The people buying her art didn’t know her but because they saw it, I think they saw the purity … maybe they thought they could put up the pieces in a nursery, just because it was beautiful.”
Her daughter’s success served as a reminder of art’s true purpose: not in technique, but in emotion.
“Art is an individual thing and it is subjective,” Kelly said.
“When people buy artwork, it’s because when they see something, they get an emotional connection from it, you see it and relate to it.”
That philosophy also drives her advice for newcomers entering the show.
“Don’t doubt yourself and compare with other people,” Kelly said.
“You should look at your art and see the beauty in what you have done.”
Last year’s cancellation due to a funding shortfall was a blow to the community, Kelly said.
“It was a huge shame, but this year they are right into it because once it wasn’t there, they realised the value of the show. They’re invaluable, because otherwise people can’t see what others are doing in their community. It brings people together.”
