Few know the value and majestic power of natural landscapes more deeply than visual artists.
It’s no wonder then, that so many artists have donated their time and art for the Treasures of This Land exhibition and art auction, that seeks to preserve and protect the treasures of our natural environment here in the Macedon Ranges.
Acclaimed artists Peter and Helen Cole, who both have work featured in the exhibition, lived for more than 20 years in a house and studio overlooking the Campaspe River, which flows through the Greenhill to Black Hill biolink. While they took inspiration from the landscape, they also saw first-hand the disappearance of animals who relied on the river for survival.
“We used to see platypus and kingfisher and water rats right at the beginning – in the 90s. And slowly, we saw things disappear from the area,” Peter said.
“That landscape is a dominant feature in my work – it’s informed my sculpture for quite a long time. I hope this project allows all the animals and living things in the biolink to continue on their journey.”
The loss of native species and the destruction and disconnection of their habitat is why Helen, Peter and a collection of artists have joined with Biolinks Alliance and 42 landholders who are working across 3000 hectares to halt species extinctions, ecological breakdown and to build climate resilience.
Biolinks Alliance executive director, Sophie Bickford, said the Treasures of this Land exhibition and art auction had uncovered something profound and deeply hopeful – a great willingness in the community to learn, join forces and to act in new ways to help our ailing natural world.
The project has been made possible thanks to the generosity and creativity of more than 200 local artists, landholders, community members and businesses that are giving in the ways that they can. This support includes Kyneton Ridge – a winery with sweeping views of the Greenhill to Black Hill biolink – which is hosting the exhibition.
Along with Peter and Helen’s work, Treasures of this Land will feature artworks from Mary Barton, Daniel Butterworth, Matt Butterworth, Oliver Cole, Ian Drummond, Flynn Silver, Karan Hayman, Mark Howson, Tim Jones, Amanda Marburg, Angelina Pwerle, Cameron Robbins, Sam Slicer and Jason Waterhouse.
The community can support this ambitious and creative project by visiting the exhibition at Kyneton Ridge (on until November 6), buying a raffle ticket, or joining the online auction at biolinksalliance.org.au/treasures
