An artistic bent in the Mountains

Just over seven years ago, three lesbian artists living in the Blue Mountains were frustrated that in such a renowned creative community, the opportunities for exhibiting work were few and far between.

The women turned their frustration into action, and the bentART annual exhibition was created.

“The formation of bentART was a wonderful example of the GLBT community creating something positive and empowering and providing an opportunity for GLBT artists to show their artwork,” bentART president Julie Martin said.

The exhibition is now open to GLBT artists from around Australia, with this year’s prize pool sitting at a record $5900. This year’s judging panel includes Dr Anthony Bond (director of Curatorial Services at the Art Gallery of New South Wales) and Robyn Nolan (artist and joint owner of the Nolan on Lovel Gallery in Katoomba).

The exhibition runs at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts during the Queen’s birthday long weekend, with opening night on Friday, June 10 from 6.30-9pm. It’ll be a busy weekend on the Blue Mountains queer calendar, with the Three Sisters disco in Blackheath on June 11 and the Black and White Costume Ball in Leura on June 12.

info: Visit www.bentart.com.au

Pictured: The winner of last year’s bentART exhibition, Sydney artist Peter Williamson with his entry, Whorl.