Rotary Club of Bendigo and Zonta Club of Bendigo are behind SWACV – Showcasing Women Artisans of Central Victoria. 

Ten artists will feature in the inaugural event, which takes place at Dudley House on View Street Bendigo from 10am until 4pm on Saturday May 28.

“This is a rare opportunity to talk with the artisans in one location, to enjoy their work and purchase or commission works,” Rotary Club of Bendigo president and Zonta Club of Bendigo vice-president Larrie Winzar said. 

“You wouldn’t normally see them all in one place.”

She said the artists mostly worked in their own studios and each had unique styles and specialties. 

Among those involved in the event are sculptor Yvonne George; photographer Kate Monotti; textile artist Pam Hovel; ceramic artist and painter Kerry Punton; and painter Julie Andrews.

Three artisans will be exhibiting jewellery: Sally Poyser, Kate Blackwood, and Janita Shelton. 

Ingrid Maschek will be there with her couture handbags, while Bridget Keena will bring mixed media art and paintings. 

Entry to the event is $10 and includes a raffle ticket, with prizes donated by the exhibiting artists.

Money raised will be donated to initiatives assisting women in need in central Victoria. 

Ms Winzar said the event came about because of her involvement in both the Rotary Club of Bendigo and the Zonta Club of Bendigo, and her passion for art. 

She hoped it would be the first of many events and encouraged people to attend.

Advancing the status of women worldwide is a cause close to the core of both service clubs.

The Zonta Club of Bendigo has been involved in supporting emergency accommodation for women escaping domestic violence, by providing food hamper packs and toiletry packs. 

One of its ongoing projects is a breast cushion project, in which hand-made cushions are distributed via breast care nurses to women in central Victoria who have had mastectomies.

The cushions were originally made by women at Tarrengower Prison with materials provided by the club. Now club members are sewing them.