Myall U3A Artists’ amazing works at annual Show

ARTISTS from across the coast converged for the annual Art Show of the Myall U3A (MU3A), held at the Hawks Nest Community Hall across Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October long weekend.

The Friday night before was the official, invitation-only opening, where the first layout of the many works of passion and fascination were unveiled.

Many recurrent themes became obvious, such as birds and flora and the local landscapes, making it clear that the Myall Coast has been the greatest muse for many artists.

A vast array of imagery included all kinds of local scenes of the beach, islands and coastal headlands and the bush. Abstractions of the city and undersea fantasies were on display, none limited by the huge variety of media, including oils, pastels, watercolours, plaster, and more.

The final touch was added by local curator Chez Rands, whose inspiration quickly inspired other artists to see how their own works formed the greater work of the art show.

“I was constantly astounded by the great work in the community, the curation came together really well, consideration of the framing, colours, shapes and content of the paintings, using big pieces as anchors and smaller ones around them, it was a fabulous team effort,” said Chez Rands, volunteer curator.

“The MU3A Art Group has become sort of a family, we support and encourage each other, the whole group has come together, an amazing group of people, proving that it ‘takes a village’, and I think this is the most incredible art show we’ve had to date,” said organiser Jeanette Hart at the Friday night opening.

“More than 170 labels have been written out so that artists’ work could be properly attributed, and proceeds go where due when bought, and I want to sincerely thank the MU3A art group committee, I am extremely proud of our group and the quality of the works.”

“Let us celebrate these creative experiences and powerful stories, each expresses [the] talent and dedication of the creator,” said artist and fellow-organiser Jan Nesbitt.

Several local artists have developed their own recognisable styles throughout the year, but many have also taken the grand leap to explore new methods and media, branching out, sometimes radically, to try different things.

“I’ve tried countless types of media and styles since joining Myall U3A,” artist Deb Florence told News Of The Area.

Deb had several different types on display at the show, including watercolour and collage pastels.

Purchase queues were the length of the Hawks Nest Hall, as sales took off.

The Tea Gardens Red Cross ladies provided a much-needed morning and afternoon tea both days and many took advantage of the indoor pop-up café. Jan Nesbitt offered a live demonstration painting that attracted the attention of all who passed by, witnessing how she turned a blank canvas into a living work of art.

Young artists got a chance to collaborate on a few details.

Well over 100 artworks were sold, earning more than $5000 for the local artists, who share a portion of proceeds with the Art Group for future learning endeavours.

Both days saw a room full of people, energised by the corporeal chance to witness firsthand the fruits of their labours of love.

By Thomas O’KEEFE