Little Gallery at Trentham’s mid-year show aims to not only feature high-profile regional guest artists but also raise funds for the storm-battered charity Path of the Horse and the Quarry Street Reserve after a devastating storm in June.
LG artist Rose Wilson said the town had been through a lot of late, so when lockdown struck, cancelling the exhibition was not an option, but postponing it was.
“If COVID has taught us anything it’s how to adapt and just go with the flow, and if we can’t have a grand opening due to lockdowns or restrictions, locals and visitors can still have an opportunity to view the work of some very talented artists from around our region,” Wilson said.
“We have award-winning painters, sculptors and potters. All artists exhibiting have a plethora of prizes under their belts so this is a great opportunity to acquire an investment piece as well as supporting a great local charity.”
Guest artists in the White Rabbit Winter Show include prominent local names such as Sam Bloomfield, Adam Cusack, Graeme Drendel, Frances Guerin, Frances Harkin, Tim Jones, Tina Lee, Amanda Marburg, Chris Rowe, Petrus Spronk and Ellie Young.
Three members of the acclaimed Butterworth art family, Daniel, Matt and Peter, will also be exhibiting for the first time together.
“By postponing the exhibition a month after the original date, we thought it would at least secure the opening of the show, but recent lockdowns put that vision on hold,” Wilson said.
“Fortunately with regional Victoria coming out of lockdown we can once again take a deep breath and fingers crossed no more lockdowns.”
All artists exhibiting will donate a percentage of works sold, and Little Gallery’s permanent artists will all donate a piece of artwork to be raffled off a month after the show.
“We have a very special town and after the storm we united even more as we helped one another get through a tough time, and when some of the business owners got wind of the raffle they generously donated as well,” Wilson said.
“We hope the show gives Trentham, afflicted by the impact of COVID lockdowns and then by June’s devastating cold-weather cyclone, something to look forward to in the middle of our long, grey winter.
“We’re inviting the town and visitors to wrap themselves in the warmth of art.”
Artist Graeme Drendel, fresh from being chosen as a finalist for this year’s Archibald and Sulman, has donated one of his paintings with the full proceeds going towards the charities.
Another generous donation by a local is a framed Joseph Banks plate.
The exhibition will run for three weekends from August 21 to September 6, and for the first weekend of the show the gallery hopes to have artists available to chat to guests and visitors.
Due to the precarious climate with COVID, keep updated regarding the show on LG’s Facebook or Instagram account, where you can also to view the artists exhibiting and raffle items up for grabs.
The Little Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday.
