A small gathering of like-minded people attended the soiree to raise money for this year’s Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival. The event was the first of many to be held at the Splash Gallery and organisers were thrilled with the success.

“I thought it was fabulous,” organiser Melody Ruhrmund said. 

“I was so pleased with the response...it was a lovely evening, everyone was so happy and the atmosphere was super. 

“I thought that the masks broke the ice and everyone enjoyed wearing them and entered into the fun of it.”

Forbes Shire Council’s director tourism, community and cultural development Richard Morgan made an entertaining presentation on the Venice Biennale, which he recently stumbled upon during his European travels.

“Richard did a stunning job of his rendition of the Venice Biennale and at the end he brought it back to the River Arts Festival and why we’re doing what we do,” Ms Ruhrmund said.

Guests were treated to musical entertainment, wine and Italian food and of course their choice of handmade mask.

Ms Ruhrmund would like to thank John Saleh and Eleanor Lewis from Banderra Estate for their contribution to the evening in the form of a bottle of sherry.

“I’d like to thank everybody for the response and hope we’ll see them again,” Ms Ruhrmund said.

The next soiree will be held later this month.