Ordinary/Extraordinary

Serpentine Memorial Hall

2-4 October, 10am-4pm

They tried calling it Janiember – when that name didn’t catch on, the town then took the name of Serpentine, like the Creek that joins the Loddon River nearby. Famed as the starting place of Australia’s first air race, Serpentine has a fine Memorial Hall overlooking the recreation reserve.  That race was way back in 1920, so we reckon it’s about time Serpentine has another big moment: an absolute extravaganza of art.

We’re taking over the Hall with everything from cardboard sculptures to beasts and birds paintings, dazzling outfits made out of discarded farm materials, photographs, ceramics and  sculptures that respond with sounds when you approach them. And rubbish turned into portrait sculptures. And collective portraits by the Women who participated in Around the Kitchen Table “SEEN” project, at Four Posts, Jarklin.

Just 20ks down the road from Bridgewater and on the way to Dingee, Calivil and Mitiamo, for Festival 2026 Serpentine comes alive with brilliant art, quirky ideas and a very creative welcome.

The Hall committee will be selling sandwiches, scones and slices.

Lunchtime Launch event, with Tenar Dwyer, Zlatko Balazic and Paula Starrs, Friday 2 October 11.30am-12.30pm: a chat about making the ordinary extraordinary, with light lunch provided. Suitable for all ages and free, so head to Serpentine Hall for a Big Start to this glorious exhibition.

Artists on show:  Zlatko Balazic, Kaye Dixon, Patrick Duffy, Tenar Dwyer, the AgArt women of Elmore, Virginia Harkin, Terry Jarvis, Che Munzel, Helen O’Donoghue, Barbara Petrie, Kim Saxton, Paula Starrs, Stuart Tweddle and the women who created SEEN collective portraits.