THE ART Gallery of Ballarat examines Australia’s involvement during WWI and WWII in a new exhibition.

To mark the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli and the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, the exhibition titled Australians at War 1914-1945 includes artworks of the period, showing the use of artwork for propaganda and as a record of experience of the conflict.

The exhibition will include Dora Meeson’s narrative painting Leaving for the Front. The evolution of the image of “the digger” as a representation of the Australian male will also be explored.

Australians at War, 1914-1945 will be on display in the Mars Gallery from April 18 until June 21. Admission: free.

Compton Theatre Organ appearance

THE Compton Theatre Organ will make an appearance on Sunday as the Ballarat Theatre Organ Society prepares their annual concert.

This year’s concert will take place at Her Majesty’s Theatre with Ballarat musicians taking to the stage for an afternoon of entertainment.

This year’s concert will be held on Sunday April 19 at 2pm.

Bookings at www.hermaj.com or by calling 5333 5888

Talks on Australia’s war involvement

A SERIES of twilight talks have started at The Art Gallery of Ballarat this month.

The Australia at War: Twilight Talks will be held at the gallery every Wednesday evening from 5pm through until the end of June.

The talks will explore the aspects of Australia’s involvement in WWI and WWII with special emphasis on local Ballarat connections and the visual arts during wartime.

This week’s talk will be by Federation University curator Claire Gervasoni who will speak with audiences about the Ballarat miners and engineers who were key members of the Australian Tunnelling Corps in WWI and their involvement in laying explosives under German lines.

She will also talk about Will Dyson’s sketches. Entry by donation.

WHAT'S ON

Wolveschildren Gallery, 81a Humffray Street North | The Hounds of Luxus, until May 2.

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Lydiard Street |  Ballarat Theatre Organ Society presents Let’s Entertain You, Sunday April 19 at 2pm.

M.A.D.E, 102 Stawell St South,Ballarat | The Chinese Voice Exhibition, until June 29

Art Gallery of Ballarat, Lydiard Street North | Australia at War; Twilight Talks with Clare Gervasoni (Will Dyson and the Ballarat Tunnellers) April 15 at 5.30pm. Pat Shannon and Mark Shannon: Sea, Sky and the Hills Behind, until April 20, Timken Gallery, free. Let’s Talk Poetry with Barry Breen, April 14, 12.30-1.30pm, McCain Anneze, free. Grigoryan Brothers: This Time, Saturday April 18, 7.30-9.30pm, Williamson Gallery, adult $38, concession and member $28, student $15

Gallery on Sturt, 421 Sturt Street | Pamela Irving Doggerel Dreams, until April 21.

ContainART, Lake Burrumbeet (enter via caravan park) | Pamela Irving with Bestiary, until April 23

• To have your event considered for the Arts Diary, email features.thecourier@fairfaxmedia.com.au