Seymour artists rally to ensure the show goes on
Flood damage has closed Seymour’s only public art gallery, but Seymour and District Art Society members are determined to push ahead with their major art show, Art Beyond the Divide.
The Seymour and District Art Society was forced to postpone the Art Beyond the Divide exhibition last month when flooding hit the day before the show was to open.
The society was then devastated to learn the Old Courthouse Gallery, which is the only public art gallery in Seymour, was completely inundated by flood waters, damaging artworks and equipment, as well as the heritage-listed building itself.
Society president Terri MacDonald said the group was fortunate the Art Beyond the Divide show was being held at local winery Wine X Sam, which wasn’t impacted.
“This meant that we were able to reschedule the show rather than cancel it, with the generous support of Wine X Sam’s owners, Sam Plunkett and Bron Dunwoodie, who have stored all the exhibition equipment for us in the interim,” Dr MacDonald said.
The rescheduled show will run from November 25-27 at Wine X Sam, with more than 200 artworks entered by artists from the region and Melbourne in a variety of media, including photography.
“With the Old Courthouse Gallery needing considerable restoration and repair, this art show has become even more important for our members and the arts community,” Dr MacDonald said.
“The silver lining to the flooding however has been the wonderful support we have been given, including our show sponsors and local businesses, some of which were also flood-affected.”
“Artists have also expressed their support for the (art society), including well known Melbourne watercolour artist Julian Bruere, who has donated a work to assist with flood recovery fundraising. The work is aptly entitled Low Tide with Reflections.”
“Finally, we also want to acknowledge the support of the Mitchell Shire Council, from the wonderful volunteers at the Old Courthouse Information Centre who tried to save works from flooding to the team who we are working in the flood recovery and restoration planning.”
“While the flooding of the gallery has certainly been yet another curve ball for the local arts community, it’s also wonderful to see everyone rallying to ensure the Art Beyond the Divide show is a success.”
“We have learnt nothing else if not to be determined, resilient and to stay positive.”