JUDGING of art and craft exhibits is underway at the Bendigo Agricultural Show.
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Sewing expert Lesley Hargreaves was judging the under-18s needlework exhibition on Tuesday afternoon.
Ms Hargreaves said the hallmarks of a high standard piece were workmanship, good design and good finishing-off.
She said the standard in this year's junior section was good across the board but that the number of entries was down.
"It'd be great to get more schools involved," Ms Hargreaves said.
She said it seemed children were not entering in the sewing section because the skill was not as popular anymore.
"I don't think the schools encourage the textiles these days like they used to," she said.
"Not all kids are academic, so I think you need to give them a chance to do more practical things."
A few sheds away in the photography section, chief steward of photography and art, Marion Shay, was preparing the photography entries for judging.
This year has the most photography entries in the history of the show - more than 1000.
"I think people are looking for a hobby," Ms Shay said.
"(Photography) is something where they feel like they're achieving," she said.
Ms Shay said photography judges would be looking for shots that really jump out from the paper.
Assistant steward Anne Greenwood said good photography was about dimension.
"You don't want to get stuck in the photo," Ms Greenwood said.
Ms Shay said she was instrumental in starting a photography exhibition and the schools' display at the Bendigo Show.
"I like to see the children enter and see the smiles on their faces when they see their work on display," she said.
Ms Shay said children's involvement in creative exhibitions often encouraged parents to participate.
"It helps to draw more people," she said.
The Bendigo Show is on Friday and Saturday from 9am to 9pm. For the program and to buy tickets, visit bendigoshow.org.au.