Peace and purpose in paint

PEACE and harmony is the focus of an upcoming exhibition at the Buninyong Uniting Church.

About 30 artworks are expected to fill the building as part of the Peaceful Earth art exhibition next weekend.

Curator, Trudy Nicholson said the collection is about creating a sense of tranquillity.

“It doesn’t have to be people-related but really anything that evokes a peaceful, calm energy,” she said.

“It’s to connect people to a calmer, quieter time instead of thinking about the horrific things happening in the world. It’s promoting a harmonious time for togetherness.”

With submissions closing today and about a dozen artists taking part, works range from acrylic, charcoal, pastel and watercolour pieces.

The opening night will feature live guitar and violin from Goldstrings Duo, and one of the featured works will be given the acquisitive prize by Castlemaine-based artist and judge Eleni Rivers.

All works will be for sale with a commission going towards the church to continue delivering community projects.

South Ballarat Uniting Church minister Reverend Paul Sanders considered the exhibition will be the first major one of its kind for the site.

He said between the Christmas market also using the church grounds on the Saturday, and an opera performance courtesy of Cordelia’s Potted Operas to conclude the weekend, it’s great to see the site being used beyond Sunday service.

“It’s part of that idea of making the church understood as a community space,” he said.

“It’s integral to the town to have the church be used in different ways. My hope is the distant and forgotten might be reimagined and activated into a new appreciation of place and symbol.”

The exhibition will run across Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November.

The opening night will be held at 7pm, after which the exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, then from 12.30pm to 3pm on Sunday.

Those also wishing to attend Cordelia’s Potted Operas’ Amahl and the Night Visitors performance on the Sunday at 2pm can purchase tickets at try booking.