Owl art show a hoot

A NOCTURNAL avian creature is forming the focal point behind a visual arts show on display now at Kank Wolverang Records.

The Festival of the Owl exhibition is showcasing 15 creatives, almost all of whom are local, with about 25 works depicting the titular bird.

Launched on Saturday, curator Kristine Allan said the collection is about celebrating the eponymous animal.

“A lot of people are very, very fond of owls and I feel like a lot of people are very inspired by the owl and what it represents so I thought it’d be a great idea for an exhibition,” she said.

“We’ve got multimedia works, we’ve got 2D, 3D pieces, and even some sculptures too.

“In terms of the venue, the space is beautiful and well-lit, and it’s the perfect exhibiting space for what I’m wanting to achieve.”

Alongside Allan, featured creatives include Linda Franklin, Peter Sparkman, Amanda Western, Teira Stuart, Tiffany Titshall, Christine Crawshaw, Petra Rodgers, and Albie Mullner.

The show is Allan’s follow-up to a solo photography show also held at Kank Wolverang Records, which marked her return to the visual arts scene following a hiatus of more than decade.

Previously exhibiting as a wildlife artist about 17 years ago alongside her cousin and Halls Gap-based creative Steve Morvell, she’s kept the idea of an owl-themed exhibition in mind since then.

“I’ve always been a nature lover and love owls,” she said.

“It feels great to see this idea come to life and it’s more rewarding than a solo exhibition because there’s so many other people involved.

“It’s great to see what everyone else has done and how they’ve expressed themselves and their perception of the subject.”

Festival of the Owl is on show until 31 August. Kank Wolverang Records is open from 10.30am to 5pm Thursdays to Sundays.