Oyster Festival Wrap + More…
With close to 10,000 visitors passing through the gates, the Narooma Oyster Festival 2025 was truly buzzing with ‘shellabration’ and Narooma turned on its charm with picture-perfect weather.
The River of Art were incredibly proud to be part of such a vibrant and successful weekend. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exceptional event to life.
The Pink Cube Gallery welcomed record numbers, with visitors delighted to explore works by some of our 2024 Art Prize finalists. One piece even found a new home in Dubai, a joyful reminder of both the festival and the beauty of our region.
Our mobile gallery showcased an inspiring lineup of artists, including David Campbell; Freya Job, our 2022 Art Prize winner; and Bomber Krellaxiom, whose interactive soundscapes invited audiences to hear the “Oyster Screeeem!” We also featured work by Cathy Laudenbach, our 2024 Art Prize runner-up; Geoffrey Odgers, 2021 Art Prize winner; along with Amy Schleif, Alison Spurgeon, and a compelling collaboration between Mathew Williams and Anna Keary.
Thank you to everyone who visited and supported the gallery – we’re grateful to be part of such a creative and connected community.
The @Bioluminescence Project
The Narooma High School students dedicated many hours in the lead-up to Friday night’s performance, and their hard work culminated in an incredible collaborative piece. The result was nothing short of inspiring – what a fantastic display of creativity and teamwork. We couldn’t be prouder to support these talented young artists and everyone involved in bringing their vision to life.
Thank You
The Narooma Oyster Festival stands out as a significant event in the Shire’s schedule, and its success relies heavily on the exceptional backing of our community – both as eager attendees and dedicated volunteers. We want to express our sincere gratitude to each person who participated and contributed to making the weekend truly unforgettable!
The River of Art committee deeply appreciate Cath Peachy and all she’s done for this event over 13 years, this year being her swan song. We thank her and her committed team at the Narooma Oyster Festival for their constant support and the valuable partnership we cherish.
A special acknowledgment is due to Scott Baker, his team, and the talented students from Narooma High School for their captivating Bioluminescence projection that lit up Friday evening. Their hard work following extensive and professional preparation truly stood out as a remarkable accomplishment. Additionally, we thank FRRR for their generous assistance and funding that made this event possible.
The River of Art team are also thankful to Eurobodalla Shire Council for facilitating the safe transportation of the Pink Cube Gallery from and to Bodalla. To the Bodalla community, thank you for housing and safeguarding it during the interim. The shout outs from the main stage regarding our upcoming festival in September were also greatly appreciated!
A big shout-out goes to the River of Art Prize 2024 finalists who showcased their work in the Pink Cube Gallery, attracting hundreds of visitors. A special mention goes to those artists who also volunteered their time on-site, adding a personal touch and enhancing the overall experience.
Our gratitude extends to the Narooma School of Arts for lending equipment last minute to help set up the gallery – your support was invaluable.
Lastly, we want to express our warm and appreciative thanks to our dedicated River of Art team and the supportive families behind them (and often in front), whose continuous assistance – whether working quietly behind the scenes or enthusiastically bouncing around in pink vests during events – breathes life into the River of Art. You are the essence of our endeavour, and we are immensely grateful for your unwavering support. You all rock!
NEXT
Festival 2025 launching very soon…
We have some web upgrades happening that aim to streamline Festival and Art Prize entries, as soon as these are signed off we’ll be pushing GO for Festival 2025… Please do reach out in the meantime if you have any questions
SALTY NIGHTS
Under the twilight sky at Oaks Ranch, Salty brings together the dreamers, doers, and disruptors shaping the South Coast’s next chapter.
One night. One iconic location. A room full of energy, ideas, and inspiration. A night for creatives, business owners, and big thinkers building something meaningful on the South Coast.
SALTY NIGHTS, MAY 24th Oaks Ranch.
This isn’t business as usual.
Salty Nights is a new kind of gathering —
where the South Coast’s inspired business owners, creatives, entrepreneurs, and bold thinkers meet off the clock and on purpose.
No stiff small talk. No name tags.
Just real conversations in a setting that feels like an escape.
When: Saturday, May 24, 5-10pm
Where: Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point
What: A luxe night designed to spark new ideas, collaborations, and connections.
After selling out quickly last time, we’ve expanded to 200 tickets —
but we’re keeping the intimacy, the calibre, and the magic.
Expect:
– A curated guest list of founders, makers, and regional visionaries
– A photo wall moment (because some nights deserve to be captured)
– A few secret touches designed to spark deeper connection — minus the awkwardness
If you’re building something, dreaming of something, or just craving a space where conversations go deeper —
this is your night.
Or forward this invite to someone you know who should be in the room.
Charms Baltis
Founder & Editor, Salty Magazine
The BAS - Food For Thought
Long-table lunch: Food for Thought series
21 June 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Where: Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, corner of Vulcan and Murray streets, Moruya. Access from Murray Street.
Cost: $85 per person
From Broulee to Florence: An Artist’s Odyssey – Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we welcome the talented and charismatic Di Jay to speak at our winter offering in the Food for Thought series where art, passion, and creativity come together.
Fresh off her Italian residency where she honed her craft with the masters of jewellery creation in Florence, Di is ready to share her entertaining experiences and insights.
Set against the backdrop of the Shakespeare-inspired What’s Past is Prologue group exhibition, this promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience. (Plus, you’ll get the chance to view some of Di’s creations up close in this exhibition.)
To match the occasion, you’ll enjoy an Italian-themed menu including:
A glass of sparkling wine on arrival
A grazing table luncheon
A glass of wine or juice with your meal
Vegetarian and gluten free catered for.
Bookings required by Wednesday 18 June 2025, 4pm
Seats are limited and numbers for catering will be confirmed on Wednesday 18 June.
Donate - Every Little Bit Helps
Please donate to the River of Art Festival. Being a sponsor or making a donation is a rewarding way to support creativity, innovation and help showcase the cultural strengths of the NSW South Coast region.
Your generous contribution will help us to:
Ensure the continuation of the annual River of Art Prize to promote and reward excellence in all forms of art
Profile local artists and their art through major events, promotions and our Arts Directory
Ensure the River of Art Festival benefits the artist community
Publicise creative artists and their contribution to an enriched cultural life in our region
Attract visitors to Eurobodalla and contribute to economic growth