The Orbost Arts Centre is calling on community members to dust off their old artworks, family heirlooms, books and unique items for the return of its popular Beautiful Bygones exhibition and annual Antiques Evaluation Day.
The Beautiful Bygones exhibition, which showcases the historical journey, occupations and traditional crafts of generations in East Gippsland, will run throughout August and September.
Organisers are inviting residents to contribute special relics, historical tools, instruments or heirlooms to place on display or offer for sale.
To participate in the exhibition, community members must submit their items to the arts centre by Saturday, August 1.
Entry forms are available at the front desk, and exhibition entries cost $3 per item, with sets counted as a single item.
The highlight of the seasonal program is the Antiques Evaluation Day on Sunday, August 9, from 10am-3pm.
The event offers a rare opportunity for locals to learn about the origins, history and estimated values of treasures sitting in their cupboards or passed down through generations.
No pre-bookings are required; attendees can simply turn up on the day.
Evaluations cost $5 per item, with a strict limit of three items per person.
To ensure everyone is seen, the last entrants to be evaluated must arrive by 2pm.
The valuations will be conducted by two highly respected industry specialists who are volunteering their expertise to support the community and raise operational funds for the arts centre:
-Jon Dwyer: A leading Australian art expert and valuer with more than 39 years of industry experience across traditional, modern, and contemporary art.
His expertise covers paintings, sculptures, books, furniture, collectables, and memorabilia.
-Dennice Collett: A highly regarded decorative and visual arts valuer specialising in furniture, ceramics, silver, Oriental art and Australiana antiquities across all historical periods.
Organisers emphasise that residents do not need to bring items to join in on the day.
The public is welcome to attend just to watch the specialists in action, browse the Beautiful Bygones exhibition, socialise and enjoy refreshments.
For more details, entry forms, or general inquiries, community members can contact the Orbost Arts Centre by phone or email, or visit their website.
