On the Local Arts Trail in December
— with Alison Desmond —
Christmas is coming and Moorabool’s amazing artists and craftspeople have you sorted with locally-made, handcrafted gifts available in all the galleries!
• Majestically Skyward, Karen Kirby
Flack Post & Telegraph Office
Karen Kirby’s striking acrylic ‘Majestically Skyward’ differs from a traditional landscape in that she has taken a snapshot of just a cropped horizontal section of trees.
“I love trees and am inspired by their grandeur - my motivation comes from the challenge of exploring the intricacies, beauty and particularities of the world I am so in awe of,” Karen says.
These intricacies are evident in the dry, rough texture of the papery bark, with blackened knots and the sunlight reflecting off the white surfaces of two solid trunks.
An entanglement of twisting branches, dripping with clumps of leaves, reaches tall as though holding up the illuminated ultramarine sky.
Also showing at Flack in December are Mary Skram, Michael Griffeth, Skye McBain, Lesley Rosochodski, Damien Lewis, Ken Toomey, Leanne Robson, Amanda Western, Alicia Flack and Judy Hudson.
Flack Post & Telegraph Office is open 12pm to 3pm Friday, 10am to 3pm Saturday, Sunday.
The gallery will close for the holidays from December 23 to January 16.
• Plateau, Ben Creaney
Ballan Art Space
Some very exciting news…Ballan Art Space have found a new home - the new gallery space at 123 Inglis Street will be open from February 7, 2025!
The final show in the current space, Through the Looking Glass, featuring some fascinating interpretations of the theme, will be on until December 22.
The group’s end of year celebration, with nibbles and drinks, will feature the Secret Garden, a destash of fabrics, and a mystery gift hamper raffle, with all welcome.
As usual there is a stunning array of locally-made items in the giftshop.
“Our shop is bursting with artworks and homemade gifts from $5,” committee member Miranda Williamson said.
Ballan Art Space is open 10am to 3pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
The current space will close permanently on December 22 and the new space at 123 Inglis Street will be open from February 7, 2025.
• Greendale, Martin Cleal, 2024
Oak Grove Gallery
A panoramic delight, ‘Greendale’ was painted in the splendour of Spring in, you guessed it, Greendale.
A clump of trees and vegetation spans the length of the frame, from the bottom to the mottled sky at the top, exquisite fine lines contrasting with dabs of luminous green ochre against a steep hill crowned with distant trees.
For Moorabool’s best views drop in and see Marty at Oak Grove Gallery.
Oak Grove Gallery is open 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed public holidays).
• Several pieces by Chris Creaney
Gordon Bar Room Gallery
A good eye and a Tai Chi process is the secret to Chris Creaney’s 40-year art career.
She enjoys the meditative and productive aspects of wheel-throwing, the science of glazing and kiln-firing as an artform in itself.
“It really gives me pleasure that a well-made pot brings joy to people’s lives,” said Chris.
Chris’s beautiful stoneware vases, mugs, beakers and plates make a great gift idea, along with the other fabulous artworks, available at Gordon Bar Room Gallery.
Gordon Bar Room Gallery is open 10am to 2pm, Saturdays.
More about Gordon Bar Room Gallery
• Inverell Court House, A. G. Watts, 2024
B-MAC Gallery
Paintings, handmade jewellery, silk scarves and textiles are just a few of the items available for purchase at B-MAC’s Christmas giftshop in the James Young Room, Lerderderg Library from 1pm to 4pm on December 17.
The B-MAC group comprises artists of varying skill levels and there is a lot of sharing of knowledge - they meet from 1pm to 3pm on the third Tuesday of the month, new members welcome.
B-MAC Gallery, Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh is open during library hours.
• Finding Strength Within, Min Chiang
MAPP Up in Lights, Ballan
Expressive, harmonious and comforting, the foetal figures Min Chiang’s ‘Finding Strength Within’ journey deep inside, reflective, introspective and personal.
“Only by diving into the depths of our souls and embracing our true selves can we reclaim our power, heal the wounds within and discover the tranquility and joy in the recesses of our heart,” said Min.
Reminiscent of Paleolithic Venuses, the simple monotonal palette, clear grounds and symmetrical arrangements transmit a message of primal human emotional connection.
Min Chiang’s ‘Finding Strength Within’ can be viewed at MAPP Up in Lights, McLean Reserve, Ballan until 29 January.
• A piece from ‘Respect is…,’
MAPP Up in Lights, Bacchus Marsh
Moorabool Shire Council’s participation in this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign involves four young local artists responding to the prompt, ‘Respect is…,’ focusing on an issue or driver contributing to gender-based violence.
The emerging artists have been mentored by local artist Lou Callow.
The resulting ‘16 Days of Activism’ exhibition will occupy MAPP Up in Lights, Village Green, Bacchus Marsh until December 10 (Human Rights Day).
About On the Local Arts Trail
The Local Arts Trail column is released through our monthly eNewsletter and on this website at the start of each month.
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