The Kelpie Muster Art Show incorporating the Kelpie Acquisitive Art Award commenced in 2011 organised by the Casterton Kelpie Association’s Ann James and Sharon McGrath. In recent years the Rotary club of Casterton has joined us to transform the fantastic Art Deco Casterton Town Hall into a  spectacular display of artworks under the banner of the Kelpie Muster Art Show. The major prize offered is the Acquisitive Art Award, a subject category featuring artwork depicting Australia’s iconic working dog, of course it’s the Kelpie. This art show attracts art from all corners of the nation.

Upon payment of the major prize by the Casterton Kelpie Association, the winning entry is added to the collection of former winners which remain on display at the Australian Kelpie Centre right here in Casterton, the birth place of the kelpie.

Rotary has created additional art subject categories The Gorman Prize for Portraiture, The Vickery Bros Australiana award and an Emerging Artists’ prize to the main event, The Kelpie Acquisitive Art Award to broaden the fine art experience. This artistic interlude in the centre of Kelpie long weekend provides a few moments to reflect on our working dogs. All Art except the acquisitive art award is for sale with generous prizes offered for the winning entries in each category.

A popular Gala Opening Ceremony heralds the excitement to follow and launches both the Kelpie Muster Art Show and the Casterton Kelpie Associations long weekend of events. It’s a must for those who plan ahead and arrive on the Thursday night prior to the town’s inundation with dogs.