THE 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival has returned to the street art capital of regional Victoria, transforming Benalla walls and laneways into a vibrant alfresco gallery until Thursday, March 28.

Featuring more than 15 artists including Australian and international talents, the 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival is curated by Eddie Zammit and supported by Benalla Rural City and the Victorian Government.

Mayor Cr Danny Claridge said he was delighted to welcome the return of the refreshed street art festival to Benalla, confirming the artist line-up for this year’s event featured new and emerging talents and several accomplished and world-renowned artists.

“We are delighted to announce the 2024 artist line-up for this year’s Benalla Street Art Festival which includes three international artists and three returning from previous festivals," he said.

“Our city streets and lanes will be abuzz with colour and movement in the week-long celebration, that will include immersive art experiences, guided street art tours, exhibitions, artist talks, street art cinema, and a central Festival hub with live music and visitor servicing.”

The confirmed artists are Tim Bowtell, David Bromley, Buff Diss, Melanie Caple, Tommy Day, DXTR, Lisa King, David Lee Pereira, Minna Leunig, Merda, Travis Price, REKA, Sofles, Amanda Valdes and Neryl Walker.

Cr Claridge thanked the Victorian Government, festival sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, Advisory Committee members and staff for their hard work in supporting the return of the much-loved Benalla Street Art Festival in 2024.

“Iconic events such as the Street Art Festival are only made possible thanks to the tireless work and commitment of our sponsors and supporters, the wider community and efforts from local businesses and volunteers," Cr Claridge said.

“After all the hard work behind the scenes, it is now our town’s time to shine and let the artwork speak for itself.”

The refreshed Benalla Street Art Festival 2024 runs from March 21 to March 28, supported by the Victorian Government through its Regional Events Fund, with an official program, map and more available at benallastreetartfestival.com.au.

*

What's on in brief

NEMA Harmony Day in Batchelor's Green

THE North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) will hold a Harmony Day event in Batchelor's Green on Saturday from 11am to 2pm.

There will be dance, music and singing from a range of cultures, with the Wangaratta Pipe Band to play, the Central Victorian Lion Team to parade from 11.45am, plus food vans, a sausage sizzle, presentations by emergency services and lots of entertainment for children.

*

Energy saving session for renters

THE Rural City of Wangaratta will present an information session on energy saving ideas for renters at the Wangaratta Library on Saturday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Join Lindsey Pettifer from Sustainability Victoria to learn about how to be more energy efficient as a renter and reduce household energy bills with tips on draught checking, using water efficiently, understanding your appliances and their energy efficiencies and much more.

Register now at events.humanitix.com/low-cost-energy-saving-101-for-renters.

*

Craft in the Milawa Hall

THE Milawa Craft Market will be held in the Milawa Hall on Saturday from 9am until 12pm.

Browse a variety of stalls showcasing the work of local creators with all welcome.

*

Ronan Holdsworth art exhibition

AN exhibition by local artist Ronan Holdsworth described as a contemplative exploration of the evolving dialogue between old and new, reflected in the diverse array of artworks on display, is being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

The exhibition delves into the intersection of tradition and innovation within Ronan's artistic practice through the medium of acrylic paints and inks, on handmade paper, canvas and art board.

See the collection today and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street, with entry free.

*

Galen Ladies' Day Out on Sunday

A LADIES' day out will be held on Sunday to raise funds to assist communities in Timor Leste, as Galen Catholic College students and staff prepare for an immersion experience in the country next month.

It will be held at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway from 2pm to 5pm, with all proceeds going to this important cause.

The event runs from 2pm to 5pm and tickets are $60 which includes a welcome drink on arrival, finger food, prizes including the major raffle, and live entertainment by local singer Antonia Maher and they can be purchased via Eventbrite.

*

Subtle Stitch - A Marian Greaves Retrospective

THE work of well-known local textile enthusiast Marian Greaves is being celebrated during an exhibition being held in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during March.

Called "Subtle Stitch - A Marian Greaves Retrospective," it includes of wide range of pieces created by the artist over the years which reflect her unique style and interests.

The works covers a variety of topics, with Marian particularly skilled in her textile renditions of trees and landscapes, and they can be seen during March with entry free.

*

In Grief at the Wangaratta Art Gallery

AN exhibition called In Grief which brings together work by artists Maissa Alameddine and Emily McIntosh, who together examine the multifaceted layers of trauma, displacement, loss and the complexities of grief, is being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Through performance, glass and installation, both artists produce works that pay homage to past traumas, loss and sorrow that through the processes of making and production act as both memorials, and a way to preserve memories.

See it at the gallery until April 21.

*

Weaving Eucalypts Project at the gallery

A COLLABORATIVE project by weaver Liz Williamson which explores local colour, cultural connections, and shared weaving traditions is being held in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

In 2020, Williamson began inviting colleagues in Australia and India to colour fabric with eucalyptus leaves collected locally and once received, wove the fabric into panels referencing the traditions of woven rag rugs.

Since 2021, the project has expanded to connect with more colleagues in Australia and India as well as other countries touched by the Indian Ocean, and the Weaving Eucalypts Project now features 100 panels woven by Williamson with fabric dyed by 60 collaborators with over 50 eucalypts species identified and sourced from over 50 locations.

See them on display in Gallery 2 until April 14.

*

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.

Stalls are available for $25 each (no bookings required) with more information via the market's Facebook page.

*

Beechworth Singers performance

THE Beechworth Singers will perform sacred music for Palm Sunday at the Beechworth Uniting Church this Sunday from 2.30pm.

Directed by Margaret Phillips and accompanied by Sandra Williams, admission is $20 ($15) including afternoon tea (children free) and EFTPOS is available.

*

Still Life Love Exhibition in Beechworth

THE Old Stone Hall is presenting Still Life Love, an exciting new curated group exhibition showcasing the talents of regional and metro artists working in a variety of mediums in the genre of still life.

Held in the beautiful gallery space of the historic 1855 Old Stone Hall, it includes work by artists Valerie Crosse, Kate Davis, Bec Haycraft, Anna Hedstrom, Janet Hearne, Derek Motion, Darren John Pope, Fleur Rendell, Therese Shanley, Heather Sparks, Catherine Stewart, Dore Stockhausen, Amy Tobin, Kimberley Trujillo and Alice Watson.

The exhibition is from 10am until 2pm daily until April 2

*