Paintings’ joyous colours brighten Ballarat

VIBRANT pops of colour and joyful imagery are filling the Old Butchers Shop Gallery this month in Soldiers Hill.

Painter and printmaker Anne Chibnall, or Chibz, is exhibiting her collection of works Feathered Friends – Love is in the Air, inspired by the beauty of the natural environment, its flora and fauna.

Large and small bright canvases in all colours of the rainbow, and popular screen-printed tea towels are Chibnall’s way of expressing her life experiences and personal story.

Flowers particularly convey her feelings of the heart.

“I did a series of bird and flower paintings because I love nature and so do my family,” Chibnall said.

“My paintings and screen prints are colourful and express my feelings, showing me who I am.”

While the community is in lockdown, the exhibition can be viewed at any time through the windows of the gallery at 112 Seymour Street, on the corner of Neill Street. The gallery is lit up after dark.

Old Butchers Shop Gallery’s Julie Bennett said Chibnall’s showcase is the first to be installed in the newly renovated art space.

“It’s lovely to have Anne’s joyous, colourful works as the first exhibition,” she said.

“The beauty of the Gallery is that it’s a COVID gallery; you can see everything through the windows if you’re out exercising or walking the dog. Each of the pieces are shown on Instagram as well, so Anne won’t be at a disadvantage.

“Anne sold well on the show’s first weekend and it’s been terrific for her. She was delighted at the opening, and her images brighten today’s environment.”

Chibnall has previously exhibited her work at the Backspace Gallery, and at the Art Gallery of Ballarat alongside sculptor Tim Sedgwick in 2018 show WOW – LOOK AT THAT!

All of the hung works in Feathered Friends – Love is in the Air are for sale, with prices ranging from $50 to $550. Contact 0408 235 973 for more information, or to make a purchase.