General News
5 March, 2026
People’s Choice art show to return to Deep Lead this Easter
The old red-brick school at Deep Lead closed in 1967. Nearly 60 years on, it remains one of the most important spaces in the small community. Each Easter, the building fills with artwork, conversation and the smell of freshly baked scones as the Deep Lead Art and Craft Exhibition and Sale returns.
Now in its 29th year, the two-day exhibition will be held on Easter Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the former school building, about eight kilometres out of Stawell towards Horsham on the Western Highway.
Kylie Fraser, one of the show’s co-ordinators, said the event had developed its own character over nearly three decades.
“It’s called the Art and Craft Exhibition and Sale, which is exactly what it says on the box,” she said.
“We’re simple, we’re a small place, but with your entry you get a Devonshire tea, and people love doing that.”
Unlike many exhibitions, there are no judges. The winner is decided by popular vote.
“The people that come, they are the ones that vote for the winner,” Ms Fraser said.
The People’s Choice format, introduced three years ago, has changed the feel of the weekend. Visitors linger — tea in hand — debating favourites.
“We can hear them arguing, ‘No, but I like number 24’… ‘Number 24 is nice, but I wouldn’t want that in my house. It would clash with my sofa’,” she said.
Voters’ names go into a prize draw simply for making nominations.
“I’ll tell you what, people get very competitive for a $30 voucher,” she said with a laugh.
The popular vote winner receives a $100 prize, funded by the committee.
The exhibition encourages variety. Alongside paintings are two- and three-dimensional works, including sculpture, textile art and jewellery. Everything is for sale, with trade tables also featuring artisan craft items and smaller gift pieces.
While the Deep Lead Art Group contributes some entries, most come from across western Victoria — including Warrnambool, Hamilton and Nhill — and range from beginners to experienced amateurs and professionals.
The exhibition is the major fundraiser for the Deep Lead Progress Association, with proceeds covering insurance, maintenance and improvements to the building.
“We’re basically trying to help save it from being a derelict building,” Ms Fraser said.
Over the years, funds have supported upgrades including window replacements, new water tanks and sewerage works.
The building operated as Deep Lead’s school until 1967, and an honour roll above the fireplace lists local men who died in World War I.
Outside Easter, the hall hosts community meetings, CFA talks during fire season and private celebrations. It is also home to the Deep Lead Art Group, which meets every Monday from about 10.30am until 3pm.
“It’s mainly people getting together socially, doing their own art and craft,” Ms Fraser said. “They can opt in, out of how much help they want from other people, or do their own thing.”
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