A huge art show featuring pint-sized artworks and offering generous cash prizes is taking place in Altona throughout April.
The 11th annual 5×7 exhibition runs from April 5 to 24 and has attracted hundreds of entries from artists in all five municipalities in Melbourne’s west.
Hosted by the Hobsons Bay Arts Society, the show has come to be regarded as one of the western suburb’s premier arts events, with the 2025 edition showcasing more than 500 postcard-sized artworks at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona.
The 5X7 exhibition also includes a separate competition for 10 Hobsons Bay schools.
Following the theme “patterns” this year’s entries include tiny works of art in traditional media like oil paints and watercolors but also digital, mixed media and collage, even 3D and kinetic pieces.
“The theme is resulting in a wonderfully diverse response,” said Hobsons Bay Arts Society committee member Christine Macpherson of the works entered for the 2025 show.
Winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander, Hobsons Bay council arts coordinator Tania Blackwell and Louis Joel Arts and Community centre manager Karen Ingram.
Members of the public are invited to come and marvel at the tiny artistic creations during 5X7’s three and half week run at the gallery at the Louis Joel Arts and Community centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday, and from 11am to 3pm on weekends.
The gallery is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
The 5X7 exhibition is supported by Hobsons Bay council.
Cade Lucas.
