The City of South Perth Historical Society has kindly invited the Western Australian Society of Arts to host an En Plein Air competition as part of their Wattle Day Event. Wattle Day will be held on Saturday, the 3rd of September in and around Heritage House (Gallery & Cultural Centre) in South Perth. South Perth holds a special place in WASA’s history. This was where many of the founders of the Wilgie Sketching Club (later to become the West Australian Society of Arts) lived and painted.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The competition is open to all artists and all mediums. You do not have to be a member of the WASA (though we would love you to be).

The Plein Air runs from 9 am until 1 pm. This gives the judge and general public a chance to view and vote. Don’t forget the City of South Perth Historical Society will be hosting lots of activities and events during the day in celebration of Wattle Day.

All artists must pay, register and have their paper or canvas stamped prior to the event. Our registry is open between 8 am – 9.30 am at Heritage House. Look for our WASA’s welcome flag.

The entry fee is $15 per artwork. We will only accept work that has a WASA stamp on the back.

Artists are encouraged to capture South Perth’s local landmarks and landscapes. WASA will provide a list of areas of note for those unfamiliar with the area.

Artists are also encouraged to bring their easels to display their finished work.

The first prize is $1000 and People’s Choice is $500. There is also a special prize for children (May Gibbs Gift Hamper).

For children under 16, it is free to enter. Please note, that all young children must be accompanied by an adult.

The winners will be announced at 3 pm.

Our judge will be award-winning artist Joanne Duffy.

LOCATION AND PARKING

The City of South Perth Historical Society is located at Heritage House, 111 Mill Point Rd, South Perth (opposite the Windsor Hotel). There is parking throughout South Perth but most require purchasing a ticket.

WHAT IS WATTLE DAY?

The first celebration of Wattle Day was held on 1 September 1910. Sprigs of wattle and wattle badges were sold to raise money for wounded soldiers in the First World War. Today, Wattle Day is a celebration of the official start of the Australian Spring.