The Geelong community has shown its appreciation for regional artistic talent, with artX Regional 2025 being hailed as one of the most successful in the exhibition’s 17-year history. 

Thanks to a constant stream of visitors keen to view the outstanding artwork, more than $3000 of various art pieces was sold this year, after the exhibition launched at the genU Eastern Hub Community Centre on Thursday 2 April. 

This support from local art-lovers meant 22 artists gained a financial benefit from their submissions, which is one of the main aims of artX Regional. 

Attracting almost 160 entries was a strong indicator of how artists with disability want to share their creative work with the public for the exposure, another goal of the exhibition. 

The vibrancy and diversity of the submissions drew plenty of attention, with buyers very content with their artX original purchases and visitors commenting on the exceptional standard of artwork this year.

Rebecca Baker and Helen Heathcote are two artists who captured the hearts of exhibition goers, both selling eye-catching, standout sculptures. 

Regulars at the community art group at the Eastern Hub every Monday, Helen and Rebecca’s creative talents are almost as big as their smiles. 

Rebecca has been attending the art group for the past five years and sold both her artX submissions, sculptures of Garfield and Paw Patrol character, Rex. 

It was another feather in Rebecca’s cap, who has previously sold artwork, including being commissioned to create pieces. She likes to use different mediums once she’s been inspired to create, with inspiration often coming from watching TV, or her imagination.  

An art group member for four years, Helen sold one sculpture at artX Regional this year, a striking, brightly-coloured cat. 

Helen said it was a good feeling to make another sale to get acknowledgement for her work.  

“I love drawing and making patterns of things in a drawing,” she said.

Passionate about being involved in the art group, Helen said the highlight of every class is the people she shares the time with while they let their creative sides loose. 

Another positive for Helen from creating art is having to concentrate on what she’s doing so she can focus on getting things just right.    

genU CEO Clare Amies said the record number of submissions and decision to open up entries to allow artists to enter more than one piece of artwork had played a role in the success of this year’s artX Regional.

“The sales paint a clear picture of how genuinely appreciative the local community is about the standard of work our artists with disability have produced from across the region,” Clare said. 

“Making a sale not only supports an artist financially but also validates their talents and efforts. At genU, we jointly celebrate every sale, with the enthusiasm from each artwork being sold spreading throughout our community.”