Good news! The annual Upwey Archies is on again! 

Inspired by the Archibald Prize, the Upwey Archies is an annual community portrait event organised by Upwey Community Group, in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre. A sensational opportunity for local aspiring artists to create an original artwork celebrating a person special to them and to have their work publicly displayed on the walls and windows in the Upwey Main Street shops. 

Award categories for both Open age and Youth (14 years and under) include Winner, Highly Commended, Heart (Encouragement) and Packing Room. And this year a ‘Community Favourite’ award has been added, with members of the community encouraged to vote for their favourite portrait. The works are judged by an art expert (last year’s winner), and awards are officially announced at a special celebration in the Upwey Village Square, in late October.

The Upwey Archies Portraits bring a real ‘sparkle’ to the village from 16 October, through to 16  November. It’s heaps of fun seeing all the entries in the shop windows in Main Street every year and catching the excited comments and explanations as you walk past.

Please check the Upwey Archies Facebook page for regular updates or email upweycommunitygroup@gmail.com for any queries.