After weeks of preparations by our small army of volunteers this Orange Wine Festival CCC Group Exhibition at the Barracks was super successful. Not only because we had almost 150 come to the 7pm opening on Saturday night but because as a group, the team work was exceptional.
If you're unaware of who from our group is the core that brought us the present success let me try to unwrap it for you.
What happens in the building is mostly supported by Joy and Susie, maybe it's because they spend the most time at the Barracks, they are seen as the go to people for any questions. Not only that, but Joy will always be ready to assist when someone is in need or something requires actioning in the building. Helpful, giving, talented and nurturing, you can always count on Joy to share good artistic advice on practice or technique. Susie with her spiritual centre is not the person you'd associate with our database but without her data input the hundreds of lables next to the artwork would not be. She might deny it but her constant presence is always accompanied by little acts of kindness to the building and to us.
Margot, Bev and Gaye did most of the exhibition hanging for this festival and did it with giggles and guffaws where you wondered if in fact they were having just too much fun.
The curating was also a group effort, Jola, Judy, Aileen, Denis and Aida, who popped in for a catch up but as our founder could not help, help. All collaborated to put unity and story to the art on the walls and Joy with her vast knowledge added the cherry on what is a beautiful visual confection of CCC talent.
The shop was also team nurtured by Jaq, Judy and Jola.
The kitchen had the domestos treatement by Patricia who scrubbed and tidied it almost beyond recodnition.
Our 3 bathrooms, which consist of 5 toilets and 5 sinks were transformed from grubby to gorgeous by Maggie who added a gentle touch of flowers to make a sweet statement.
Outside Les, Des, David, Michael and Phil tamed the wild grass, the result of too much rain and still questionable spring weather.
As always everyone who could, brought food for the opening which was consumed with relish bar for 8 olives and two slivers of cheese. A good sign that we not only make good art but good food too. Fayah and Liam with the help of Phil served liquid refreshments and with the donations of wine from our paragon local wineries for the first time our guests were treated to a top drop. James Sweetapple's Cargo Road Wines sparkling was a big feature as a welcome glass was handed at entry.
Phil, our president, is a man of ideas, vision, talent and ability. Approachable, giving, and always doing, he not only steers our motley creatives but makes sure our building is functional, safe and when needed pumping with music and a stunning show of light. Unfortunately not well at this moment he who loves people and a good chat forced himself out of bed to at least attend the opening though unable to give a speech. May I add that the effort and obvious success of the opening has resulted in him feeling better today. There is magic in good deeds and good people.
At the end, when all had left Heather, Isabelle, Liam, Jola and Phil
stayed back a little longer to finish the cleaning and to put everything
back as the following day was another open day for our exhibition in
this 16 day festival.
So let's give ourselves a pat on the back for the cooperation and group learning we present in every show being better than the last.
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| Aida Pottinger opening the exhibition |
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| one part of the large crowd in the Pottinger Gallery |
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| some more of the crowd in the Pottinger Gallery |
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| The rest of the crowd at the opening speech |
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| Joy filling the dishwasher and Fayeah disposing of another empty |
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| Liam testing a vintage for freshness and Jola competing with the dishwasher |
