The South East Arts Society is set to celebrate 50 years since its incorporation, alongside its Open Art Awards in July.
Past president and life member Kevin Hein led the group for seven years in the early days and filled in details of the society’s long history.
SEAS was founded by a group of enthusiasts in 1965 but incorporation in 1973 gave it legal status to administer its wide-ranging interests.
Entries in this year’s Open Art Awards will be on display for eight weeks in the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.
The major prize has risen to $2000, thanks to an increase in sponsorship by Bendigo Community Bank and gold sponsors Annette Bezor Estate, Dream to Create, Kimberly-Clark and Phoenix Lending.
Artists of all media are encouraged to enter the awards before June 23.
The exhibition will be open to the public from July 8 to August 27.
