Created in 1994 as a spoof of the Archibalds, the Bald Archy provides artists with an opportunity to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature.

Stefan has been chosen as a finalist in the prize for the past five years and while this was Alesha’s first time involved, her portrait of Lleyton Hewitt sold during the Sydney exhibition.

“I painted Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten as Willy Wonka and Oompa Loompas - Wonka and Turnbull as wealthy businessmen and Shorten as the working class hero-type,” Stefan said.

“Alesha painted Lleyton Hewitt as 'Rusty' (his nickname) as a tribute to the Aussie tennis legend who retired earlier in the year.”

After a Sydney season the exhibition is in Corowa (September 9 to October 1) and Temora (October 7-23). Go to www.baldarchy.com.au.

THE wonderful Abbey Smith and Sophie Jones will be doing original material over lunch at Vale Creek Wines this Sunday, September 18 from 11.30am to 4pm.

Tickets $55 for a three-course lunch by Nikki Christensen. Phone 6337 2011.

ARTS OutWest’s final Winter Arts Networking event for this year will be this Sunday, September 18, 3pm at Mayfield Gardens. All welcome, finger food provided.

It’s a free event RSVP to 6338 4657 by Friday.

MILLTHORPE-based author Kim Kelly’s latest novel Jewel Sea, based on the real life story of the 1912 sinking of the Australian ship, SS Koombana, will be launched next Wednesday September, 6pm for 6.30pm start at The Royal Society.

Tickets $15. Bookings are essential via Books Plus on 6331 5994 or admin@booksplus.com.au

DO you have a theatre script you want to hear read? Want to hear and discuss new plays?

Hump Day Play Readings are on at BMEC next Wednesday, September 21 from 5.30pm-7.30pm.