Agathering of 80 attended the recent opening of the latest exhibition at the Millicent Gallery called “Nature through the Artist’s Eyes”.

It celebrates the art and creativity of artists from across the Wattle Range Council area many of whom were first-time exhibitors.

Joining Millicent’s Chris Hollingsworth, Tanya Hunter and Sue Smith were Penola’s Stella Scanlon, Anne Johnson, Cate Bell, Margaret Hage, Anne Miller, Val Smith, Lois Hodge and Jill Eckermann and Beachport’s Julie and Bruce Linnell, Leah Hamilton, Keryn Campbell and Wendy Drew.

There was a diversity of mediums including weaving, woodworking and painting.

Speeches were made by exhibition curator Julie Ann McEwen, gallery director Janice Nitschke and Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll.

Ms McEwen said it was exciting to see the diversity in approaches shown by the artists.

She said they used a variety of media and techniques to interpret the theme of nature.

According to Ms McEwen, the exhibitors had the courage to show their works in public.

“I am a firm believer that art is good for mental health and by making art or experiencing art, we all can gain benefits,” she said.

Ms McEwen said “Nature through the Artist’s Eyes” was established to encourage artists in the Wattle Range Council area to continue making art and have the confidence to share their work with others.

Some of the participating artists had also taken part in the “Birds of a Feather” exhibition by the Artshed Artists at Gallery 54 at Penola earlier this year.

“Nature through the Artist’s Eyes” remains on show through to July 30.