There’s big creativity from little people in the Small Schools Art Show at the public school, with about 2000 works including photography and cartooning.

Across the road at the hall, the 55^th Currabubula Red Cross Art Show continues, featuring works from artists across NSW and even out of state.

Principal James Steele said his school’s 24 children were proud to enter works in, and welcome visitors to, their exhibition.

“It’s always really popular and it’s a really nice way to showcase small schools,” he said.

“Being out of town, they probably aren’t as recognised as the bigger ones are.

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“The more we can get together and highlight what’s happening in our schools, the better – that even though we’re small, we have big opportunities for the children.”

One of those opportunities was the chance to learn from a local professional photographer, Veronica Filby of Country Vibe Photography; and have their work looked over tomorrow morning by special guest judge Julia Hardman, one of the artists-in-residence from the Red Cross show.

Year 2 student Matilda Holden, 8, has an artwork in the black and white category.

She said she’d chosen to depict a dreamcatcher, in lead pencil and permanent marker, because her older sister liked them.

Other works in the nine categories include paintings, collages and sculptures.

Students from Walhallow Public School visited today to peruse the works and enjoy a sausage sizzle with their Currabubula counterparts.

Meanwhile, at the Currabubula Memorial Hall, the 55^th annual Red Cross art show was in its second day after officially opening last night.

The judges, painters Judy and Ross Kurtz of Mudgee, awarded the title of champion painting – and a $6000 prize – to Storm Across the Hunter by Sydney’s Gary Laird. 

The event raises money for the Red Cross, with this year’s takings going to the Western Region (NSW) Drought Fund.

Publicity officer John Davis said about 50 people had been involved in organising the event, including many who could only give their time for a small task: “micro-volunteering”, he called it.

Ms Barr said: “The branch itself is not very big, but we call on lots of people.”

“We generally donate around the $20,000 mark each year,” treasurer Jo Barr said.

“That’s our profits, so it’s pretty impressive.”