Winter inspires flurry of art
Winter is often the time of year when it is difficult to leave the comfort of homes.
However, Baw Baw Arts Alliance (Bbaa) is urging locals to get out and enjoy many art activities on offer around West Gippsland.
In a first for the area, Bbaa in conjunction with Snowfest and the West Gippsland Arts Centre, is curating an art exhibition aptly titled “Winter – An Art Exhibition”.
The exhibition has been designed to give people of all ages a chance to exhibit art at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.
It is now open and is available for viewing until Thursday, July 25.
Baw Baw Shire Council has donated the exhibition space with prizes to be announced as part of Snowfest activities.
Another community art activity recently supported by the shire is the repainting and surfacing of bollards along the Warragul Linear Park Arts Discovery Trail.
Former Bbaa president Ingrid Thomas is coordinating the artwork to refurbish the bollards and has been delighted at the positive response from community members when they have seen the work being undertaken.
During June, felter Cheryl Cook, also known as “Arty Bird”, is exhibiting in the main space at the Station Gallery, Yarragon.
The exhibition space on “The Wall” will feature a display by the Mixed Media and Drawing Drop-In Group (MMaD).
Cheryl has an innovative approach to felting that will leave viewers asking many questions about the content of the work and her techniques. If anyone has a desire to explore design for felt, creative approaches and embroidery, Cheryl conducts classes certified by the renowned “City and Guild” organisation in London. Contact her through artybirdaustralia.com.
Cheryl’s work can also be seen on the walls of Through Life Physiotherapy. In a unique collaboration, artists of the Baw Baw Arts Alliance will continue to display a range of new creative work in the gallery space of the Warragul business.
Meanwhile, enthusiastic proponent of theatre arts and ceramics group member Jo Watts has organised a Bbaa exhibition in Maffra Exhibition Space for drop-in group participants.
The exhibition, titled “Up”, is now open and will continue until Monday, July 22.
“Up” conjures up multiple imaginings from the many visual arts groups: painting, ceramics, printing, mixed media, textiles, sculpture and weaving.
In addition, Winter Arts Markets will be held on the third Saturday of each month inside the West Gippsland Arts Centre from 8.30am to 1pm.