The Upwey Archies

Where Art Meets Heart in Our Hills Community

Nestled in the vibrant community of Upwey, something extraordinary happens each year that brings together artists, neighbours, and the very essence of what makes our Hills community special.

The Upwey Archies stands as a remarkable celebration where creative expression meets community connection, transforming ordinary encounters into extraordinary artistic tributes.

This beloved annual portrait event, born from the collaborative spirit of the Upwey Community Group and Burrinja Cultural Centre, represents far more than an art exhibition. It's a heartfelt celebration of the faces, stories, and souls that make up the fabric of our local community—a creative journey that invites everyone to participate, regardless of artistic experience or age.

A Canvas for Community Connection

The Upwey Archies embodies the beautiful intersection of art and community life, where every resident becomes a potential subject and every creative individual becomes a storyteller. This unique portrait event transforms the traditional boundaries between artist and subject, creating a warm and inclusive space where genuine connections flourish through the shared language of artistic expression.

What makes this event truly special is its democratic approach to art-making. Whether you're a seasoned artist with decades of experience, a curious teenager with a sketchpad, or a community member picking up a paintbrush for the first time, The Upwey Archies welcomes you with open arms. This inclusive philosophy ensures that artistic expression becomes accessible to all, breaking down barriers that might otherwise prevent community members from engaging with the arts.

The portraits created through this initiative capture more than physical likenesses—they preserve moments of human connection, celebrate the diversity within our community, and create lasting tributes to the people who make The Hills such a special place to call home. Each artwork becomes a testament to the bonds that unite us, regardless of age, background, or artistic ability.

The Magic of Artistic Democracy

Unlike traditional portrait commissions or formal art exhibitions, The Upwey Archies operates on a refreshingly democratic principle where artistic merit is celebrated across all skill levels. This approach creates an environment where a child's enthusiastic interpretation holds equal value to a professional artist's refined technique—because both capture something genuine about their subject and community.

The event encourages artists to step beyond their comfort zones and community members to see themselves through new eyes. When a neighbor agrees to sit for a portrait, they're not just providing reference material—they're participating in a collaborative act of community building. These sessions often lead to unexpected friendships, shared stories, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences that exist within our local area.

This inclusive framework ensures that The Upwey Archies remains true to its community roots while fostering genuine artistic growth. Participants often discover hidden talents, develop new skills, and gain confidence in their creative abilities, all while contributing to a collective celebration of community identity.

"The Upwey Archies is all about celebrating local talent and the connections we build through art. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the spirit and unity of our Hills community."

CJ Baxter, Burrinja - Community Visual Arts Producer

Recognition Through Diverse Award Categories

The Upwey Archies acknowledges excellence across multiple dimensions through its thoughtfully structured award categories, each designed to celebrate different aspects of artistic achievement and community engagement.

These categories ensure that recognition extends beyond traditional artistic criteria to honor the heart and soul that participants bring to their work.

Open

The Open category welcomes artists of all ages and experience levels, creating a level playing field where creativity and personal expression take precedence over formal training. This inclusive approach often yields surprising and delightful results, as artists bring fresh perspectives and unique interpretations to their portrait work.

Youth

The Youth category specifically celebrates the contributions of young artists, recognizing their vital role in shaping the event's character and future. Young participants often approach portraiture with unbridled creativity and emotional honesty, producing works that capture their subjects with remarkable authenticity and energy.

Packing Room

The Packing Room category adds an element of professional recognition, acknowledging artists whose technical skill and creative vision demonstrate exceptional mastery of the portrait medium. These works often serve as inspiration for other participants while maintaining the event's inclusive spirit.

Heart Award

Perhaps most touching is the Heart Award, which recognises portraits that capture something intangible yet profound about their subjects—works that go beyond surface appearance to reveal character, emotion, or spirit. These portraits often become treasured keepsakes for both artists and subjects, representing genuine moments of human connection.

Community Favourite

The Community Favourite award places decision-making power directly in the hands of local residents, allowing the community to collectively choose the work that most resonates with them. This democratic approach ensures that community voice remains central to the event's recognition process.

A Living Gallery Throughout Upwey

One of The Upwey Archies' most enchanting features is its transformation of the entire Main Street into a vibrant, accessible art gallery. From October 16th through November 6th, local shop windows and community spaces become exhibition venues, creating an unprecedented opportunity for art to integrate seamlessly into daily community life.

This innovative display approach means that residents encounter these portraits naturally during their regular activities—while grabbing coffee, running errands, or simply walking through town. The artworks become conversation starters, community gathering points, and sources of daily inspiration that remind everyone of the creative talent flourishing within The Hills.

Local businesses embrace their role as temporary galleries with enthusiasm, often decorating their spaces to complement the displayed portraits. This partnership between artists, community organisers, and local merchants creates a genuine sense of shared ownership and pride in the event's success.

The street-level exhibition format also makes art accessible to community members who might not typically visit traditional gallery spaces, ensuring that The Upwey Archies reaches the broadest possible audience and maximises its community impact.

A Special Home at Burrinja Cultural Centre

The 2025 Upwey Archies will receive additional recognition through a dedicated exhibition at Burrinja Cultural Centre from November 8th through 16th. This partnership represents a natural alignment between two organisations committed to celebrating community creativity and fostering artistic excellence within The Hills.

Burrinja's professional exhibition space will provide portrait artists with the opportunity to see their work displayed in a formal gallery setting, complete with proper lighting, professional presentation, and the cultural significance that comes with being featured at one of the region's premier arts venues.

This collaboration also introduces Upwey Archies participants to Burrinja's broader artistic community, creating opportunities for ongoing creative development and potential future partnerships. The exhibition serves as a bridge between grassroots community art-making and the professional arts sector, honouring both traditions while encouraging continued growth.

The Burrinja exhibition will feature selected portraits from all award categories, ensuring that the diversity & community spirit of The Upwey Archies translates effectively to this more formal presentation context.

Mark Your Calendar:
Key Dates for Creative Community Celebration

The Main Street display period from October 16th through November 6th transforms Upwey into an outdoor gallery, providing three full weeks for community members and visitors to discover, discuss, and celebrate the submitted portraits. This extended timeline ensures that everyone has ample opportunity to experience the full scope of artistic talent within their community.

Burrinja Cultural Centre will host its special exhibition from November 8th through 16th, offering a more intimate viewing experience and the chance to see selected works in a professional gallery setting.

The celebration culminates with the award ceremony on November 13th, bringing together artists, subjects, families, and community supporters for a joyous recognition of creative achievement and community spirit.

Building Bridges Through Creative Expression

The Upwey Archies succeeds because it recognises art as a powerful tool for community building rather than simply individual expression. When artists and subjects collaborate on portrait creation, they engage in meaningful dialogue that transcends superficial social boundaries and creates genuine understanding between community members.

These artistic collaborations often reveal surprising connections between people who might not otherwise interact extensively. A retired teacher might discover shared interests with a young artist, while a local business owner gains new appreciation for a neighbour's life experiences through the portrait creation process.

The event also creates intergenerational connections that strengthen community fabric. Young artists often choose elderly subjects whose stories and wisdom become an integral part of the artistic process. In contrast, experienced artists mentor newcomers, sharing techniques and encouragement that extend well beyond the event itself.