The "Arkarooligans" return!

Once again, some of our more adventurous artists have returned from their desert wanderings - tired, inspired, amazed and yearning to get out their brushes and paint that colour filled place.

It was to Arkaroola and the Wilderness Sanctuary that our intrepid travellers made their way in a Piper Navaho, winging just above the clouds, suspended in space, but it was a bumpy ride and Joy got very very air sick. This is a new experience and not one she wants to repeat!

Arkaroola lies out in the desert country of South Australia and boasts some of the most desolate but beautiful country that Australia has to offer. CCC members, Bev Duncan, Susie Hillenbrand, Cherelynne Carden and David Quinlan were joined by two new artists from the Central Coast, Marion Mikkelson and Lyn Olesen. Under the guidance of Joy Engelman, they were driven across hills and valleys of wonderful scenery that filled their souls with delight!

We all look forward to seeing what these artists bring back and this time is no exception. Some of the works will be on display for Wine Festival at the Barracks Galleries and Studios so come along and join us.

Beautiful spring day sprung

Phil and John got spring fever again, continuing deconstructing the mountain of palettes which invaded our parking area for a while now.... many trips to the tip, much manhandling of viciously nailed wood and it's still not finished..... but getting close. They have a goal of getting most of it our before our Wine Week exhibition starts :)

Spring has bounced us into cleaning mode

We had a cleaning day on Saturday 12 September with Phil, John, Jola, Liam, Gavin and Michael all working away to make our Barracks emerge from the winter grayness into a longed for warmth of Spring. Cutting bushes, raking, planting Agapanthus, pruning, taking crates apart it's wonderful what can be achieved when people get together :)

Electrolux 70 years of manufacture Cool Art Exhibition

At our monthly social gathering last Thursday we had the official announcement and presentation to the winners of the People's Choice Awards of the Electrolux Cool Art Exhibition.
Ron Finch represented Mark O'Kane who was not well enough to come, and thanked our wonderful group for a show which exceeded his expectations and truly celebrated the factory that has had a tremendous impact on Orange and surrounding villages.
The winner was Denis Bradley with his painting showing the very beginnings of the factory.

Second prize with only two votes difference! Went to Fayah McKenzie with her extraordinary glass and mirror mozaic.

Third to be favoured by the hundreds who came to see the art was Aileen Francis with her sculpture celebrating not only the factory production but using the output of the factory in a very clever piece that even got featured on ABC Open.

Our Fourth winner Jane Tonks, unfortunately was working so could not attend the impromptu awards. Her work imbued with meaning, showed her grandmother who worked in the first aid part of Electrolux for many years.

Thank you to all who participated for a wonderful artistic expression of what was quite a difficult subject. It's quite amazing how one phrase can be interpreted so differently and beautifully.