General News
3 June, 2025
Portraits return to Maldon
Identity and society reflected in portraiture returns to regional Victoria for the fifth Maldon Portrait Prize finalist exhibition.
A diverse array of portraits from established and emerging artists from across Australia will be on display from June 5 to 29.
The Maldon Art Network (MANET) initiative, hosted by the Cascade Art Gallery, shows the 45 best portraits of over 160 entries in the town’s historic 1863 church turned destination gallery.
The artists will be vying for the $10,000 prize, $2000 for the emerging artist category, or $500 people’s choice award voted for online.
While people are drawn to portraiture, a form that taps into a history of identity dating back to humanity’s first self-expression, Cascade Art Gallery director Kareen Anchen also admits the prize money is a good motivator.
“There’s a bit of money involved and everyone wants a bit of money, especially if you’re an artist,” she said.
The prize is sponsored by the Hillary Merkus Recordati Foundation, established in Italy by Andrea Bianchedi, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, to honour the legacy of his mother who fostered an appreciation in the arts and supported philanthropic projects.
Mr Bianchedi’s support follows an unexpected local connection in MANET co-convenor Jenny Merkus, who is his aunt and sister to his late-mother.
Renowned portrait artist Graeme Drendel will be announcing the top two prizes at the opening on June 7, from 2 to 5 pm.
Ms Anchen said that portraiture has a long history speaking to big ideas of identity and society.
“Portraiture helps to encapsulate that in visual art,” she said.
“Everyone’s got the opportunity to express themselves the way they need to.”
The diversity of expression reflects the diversity of artists, some well known and others yet to be discovered.
“The remit of us, as Cascade, is to match art with people,” she said.
“It’s not just about matching cushions its about meaning.”
While Cascade Art Gallery is a business they maintain a community focus, keen to uplift artists in what can be a difficult industry.
“In lots of ways you can understand why people don’t understand how to make a pathway in the arts,” she said.
“It’s about access for everyone.”
That also means access for local school children to express themselves too.
Maldon Artist Network and Cascade Art Gallery have worked with Maldon Primary School to produce and exhibit portraits by young children.
Sponsored by Maldon Inc. there will be exhibits of the youngsters’ ceramic portraits from grades three and four in shop windows from June 5.
Cascade Art Gallery will also be running a portrait workshop for children from grades five and six whose works will be exhibited for four weeks at the MANET Gallery starting July 5.
The Maldon Portrait Prize finalist exhibition will run from June 5th to 29th at the Cascade Art Gallery, which is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. More information can be found at the gallery’s website.