The Bentley Art Prize will celebrate its 40th anniversary on the first weekend in August.
Held at the iconic Bentley Hall, this always popular annual event was initiated by Reg and Phyllis Hartley in 1985, with the support of a dedicated cohort of art-loving volunteers.
Reg and Phyllis were the mainstays of the show until 2005, when Helen Trustum became the coordinator. Following her retirement in 2023, a new team stepped up, including principal volunteer Wendy Harris.
Speaking for the team, Ms Harris, said, ‘We are all really excited to reach this anniversary milestone. We’re keen to acknowledge the rich 40 year history of the Bentley Art Prize and its continuing value to the community.
‘We’re also looking forward to once again celebrating the prolific artists and generous sponsors who make the show so popular.’
The BAP begins on Friday 1 August, with wine and nibbles from 7-9pm. The show finishes at 2pm on Sunday 3 August.
There will also be a wide selection of market and food stalls at Bentley right across the weekend, with live music from Yolan, Luke Vassella, Sylvia Nolan, and Jamie Sullivan.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
