Let’s face it, there are a lot of ugly and unpleasant things going on in the world at the moment. But when you cast your eye over the entries in the Creative Arts and Cookery Competition at the Perth Royal Show you’ll be overwhelmed with how much beauty there is to embrace.

Best of all, it’s in our own backyard.

While show bags, rides and cuddly animals are often at the top of most people’s lists for the country-come-to-the-city event, one of the enduring highlights has always been the creative competitions. That includes art, photography, cookery and of course the creative arts, where you’ll find everything from knitting and crocheting to leatherwork, calligraphy, lacework, metalwork, clothes and upcycled designs.

In times past, the creative arts competition was – let’s face it – considered a little daggy. It was the thing your nan did, but you would never consider.

These days that’s no longer the case. Not only have millennials and minimalists taken joyously to knitting and macrame, giving it a modern spin, but COVID sent a lot of people back to the art of craft, especially knitting and sour dough bread baking.

As a result, over recent years the Creative Arts and Cookery competition at the Royal Show (formerly Creative Crafts and Cookery) has enjoyed something of a renaissance via the younger generation’s fresh ideas combined with exquisite skills from long-time entrants.

The competition is one of the most loved of the show and attracts hundreds of entries encouraging everyone from children (starting as young as four or five in the eight-and-under section) through to the senior category for those over 80. It’s also the most prestigious industry competition in Western Australia, where lots of guilds and associations exhibit their work.

“I see all the items arrive for judging and they have such variety and are so precious,” says Beth McDonnell, Royal Agricultural Society councillor in charge of the Creative Arts and Cookery competition.

“Some of the objects, people have been working on for 18 months. The quilts can be incredibly expensive with so many beautiful fabrics used and so much love sewn into them.

“It’s a joy to see entrants put so much of themselves into this work. It’s truly life-affirming. Regardless of what’s happening in the world, people are still crafting beautiful things.”

Across more than 200 classes first, second and third prizes are awarded as well as a highly commended certificate. Those classes include dressmaking, felting, teddy bears, crochet, china painting, book binding, lace, beading, greeting cards, metalwork, needle art, spinning, patchwork, parchment craft, weaving and woodwork.

This year’s theme is Wildflowers of WA, so every category has a section where wildflowers will feature. Expect a lot of colour.

This year’s theme is Wildflowers of WA, so every category has a section where wildflowers will feature. Expect a lot of colour.

A former entrant in such competitions, McDonnell has been the councillor in charge for the last seven years and continues to marvel at the creativity and skill displayed by competitors.

“We’ve always had good entry numbers in knitting and crochet,” she says. “But now crochet has taken off in a different way as younger people create their own way of doing it. As part of that shift, we have a new crochet class this year called Tunisian crochet. The style looks like it has been knitted. Areas like crochet have become so much more vibrant than just those plant holders we all remember.”

McDonnell says many younger people who used online tutorials to teach themselves how to knit or crochet don’t necessarily think their work as good as some of the show veterans – or their gran. She encourages those people to enter next year.

While COVID has been terrible for some things, it has been a wonderful opportunity to dig out what McDonnell affectionately calls those UFOs – unfinished objects. The quilt you got stuck on or the dress which just needs a few more embellishments to complete. Time at home has provided the perfect time to finish them.

Sections like upcycling have also seen their own changes from post-World War II dressmaking, which saw clothing recycled, re-used and converted by necessity. These days, upcycling is more about fashion and environmental concerns than economy, but that hasn’t dulled the inventiveness of those entering.

“Each year I am always encouraging more younger people to enter,” says McDonnell.

These days, upcycling is more about fashion and environmental concerns than economy, but that hasn’t dulled the inventiveness of those entering.

“The more people who enter keep these crafts and arts going and it makes the competition more interesting. We ask the judges, where possible, to give feedback which I think is encouraging and helps people improve or perhaps learn a new technique. The judges in dressmaking and sewing are particularly good with feedback and I hope that encourages people to come back the next year with new pieces and ideas.”

During show week McDonnell loves that people come and see the entries on display at the Ellie Eaton Pavilion and are encouraged to think their own work is good enough to enter. Last year she encouraged a woman in her quilting group to enter the competition, even though she didn’t feel particularly confident in her skills. Turns out she was plenty good enough to win a first place and Best Exhibit in her craft.

For many of these creators, entering in the show competition isn’t only about exhibiting and hopefully winning. It’s the whole process – being part of a craft group where you get together, share friendship and swap tips on how to solve a crafty problem and maybe other problems along the way. While this used to be particularly important in regional towns, it has also become important in bigger centres.

The Creative Arts is just one of the many competitions and exhibitions you can see at the show once you’ve exhausted yourself on the rides. Cookery has always been a big part of the Royal Show and the competition features everything from carrot cake to afternoon tea, shortbread, jams and preserves, sponges, meat pies, muffins, cheese biscuits and brownies.

After a two year hiatus the 2022 Perth Royal Art Prize for Landscape was awarded to Boyup Brook’s Lori Pensini for her painting titled Ascension – Wattle Spirit Landscape. Sixty finalists competed for a $20,000 cash prize and the finalist’s gallery is online.

Other winners this year were Melissa Sandy for Spinifex Country (Aboriginal Art Award) and the Emerging Artists Award went to David Brown for Karilwurra 2022. Highly commended were Wade Taylor for Providence and John Manson’s Verdi Street, Albany.

Photography fans can check out the Perth National Photographic Exhibition, a showcase of talent and technique from around Australia. Classes include youth, nature, rural life and altered reality. You can see the display during the Show and vote for the people’s choice favourite.

The 2022 Perth Royal Show runs from September 24 – 1 October. Details, including competition results, at www.perthroyalshow.com.au