Adynamic program of exhibitions, workshops and visiting artists in the past year was outlined by Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery Board chairman Jeanette Vine at the recent annual meeting of the board.
Visitor numbers increased by about 100 and groups from Frances and Sunrise Christian Schools, the Scouts and seniors from Resthaven and from Nhill enjoyed the gallery.
A busy program of exhibitions included the annual Ibis Awards, photographer Deb Kloeden as the South Australian Living Artist, sculptures by the Union St Sculptors, a textile exhibition and wildlife and landscape pastels from Victorian artists Gayle Newcombe and Lynda Robinson.
The gallery has run a Maker of the Month concept which has seen local artists promoted in the gallery, demonstrating and selling their work.
This has included silversmith Anthea Brinkworth, mixed media artist Jo Fife and Kaye Beauchamp, working with textiles and mixed media.
Eco artist Bec Hill showed her talents to visitors and ran two workshops and Anne Johnson from Penola brought her origami cards to demonstrate.
The workshop program has been busy with master weaver Bev Bills teaching her craft, Mundulla Mud ran pottery sessions for children and adults to a great reception while Suzanne Gummow taught textile techniques.
The permanent collection of art works held by the gallery was assessed by Alice Clanachan, curator at the Flinders University Museum of Art.
A priority list for improvements to the gallery is the result and Mrs Vine said better storage of the collection was currently being researched.
Mrs Vine said maintenance of the gallery was undertaken by the Naracoorte Lucindale Council and the board was pleased with painting work done on the windows and doors, while the installation of new security screen doors was planned.
“Jessie Lumb, the Arts and Cultural Facilitator with the council had kept the board thinking and doing,” she said.
“The gallery has loaned paintings to the new Wonambi Gallery in the Naracoorte Town Hall giving the pictures a wider viewing.
“Currently a picture by Ann Newmarch is on loan to the Riddoch Art Gallery in Mount Gambier.
“The grounds of the gallery have also had attention with the Ibis fountain now running again, a new sprinkler system for the lawns installed and lawn sown in place of a bed of perennials.
“Metal screens donated by Robyn and Simon Schinckel have enhanced the Riverside Drive garden area.”
Mrs Vine thanked the Wrattonbully Wine Group, Di Giorgio Wines and Wild Game Wines for their generous donation of wines for various events during the year.
“The gallery has been fortunate to receive grants from various bodies including a grant from the Stand Like Stone Foundation which saw the installation of solar panels, marketing the gallery was possible with a postcard campaign funded by the council and a community arts grant was obtained for Spring into Art, a trail of art decals leading walkers and tourists to the gallery.”
Mrs Vine was re-elected board chairman with Kaye Beauchamp as vice chairman.
