Exhibition on trax to help FECRI

THE current exhibition at Beaufort’s Art Trax Gallery is supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre.

All proceeds from From the Porch, a showcase of work by local artist Alan Pitcher, will go to the cancer research lab in the centre of Ballarat.

It is on now until Monday 31 March, and is supported by the Pyrenees Arts Council.

“Alan is a Skipton Merino sheep breeder along with cropping,” a statement from PAC said.

“Alan’s ambition was to be a vet so he went to Beaufort High school and did his matriculation as a sole student.

“He was very happy and surprised he passed with flying colours and when asked what he was intending to do, sadly was told he had been given the art course instead of Science.

“He was told he needed to come back to school for another two years and do maths et cetera.

“Not to be, but his interest in art was established. He started doing Indian ink outlines of local homesteads and then painted in over the ink in colours.”

Pitcher’s works proved popular, with many sold.

“Alan had open heart surgery much later in life, and not allowed to farm and do any heavy work, became bored sitting about,” the statement said.

His original well-worn paint box was found, and he rediscovered a love of painting.

The exhibition had its official opening on Sunday 2 March.

Art Trax Gallery is based at 30 Pratt Street, Beaufort, or the Beaufort Railway Station. Enquiries can be made to 0427 492 082.