Show helps artists move forward together

CREATIVE collective, Golden Plains Arts Inc are Moving Forward this June and July.

Artists within the group, all based in the Golden Plains Shire, will exhibit work at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre for almost six weeks, showcasing their photography, paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and ceramics.

GP Arts Inc secretary Marita Reynolds said the show will present members’ surge of creativity which came as they emerged from the isolation of 2020.

“We have 34 artists participating and a big variety of works from textiles to pottery, not just wall art. It’s a mixed bag,” she said.

“It’s about new beginnings. We’re showing the art that our members have done while Moving Forward; the new things that we’re producing now, out of isolation.

“This exhibition is a chance for us to come together to show the broader community what we’re working on. It’s an opportunity for us to support one other, and our different mediums, and move forward together. It’s pretty exciting to see what’s being created.”

An official launch event will be held on Thursday, 3 June from 4pm to 6pm, with snacks provided, a complimentary first drink, and further beverages at bar prices.

“The mayor of Golden Plains Shire, Helena Kirby will be our guest speaker.

“We are inviting not just friends and family, but the community to come in and engage with us, and celebrate that we’re able to come together, and that we’re Moving Forward,” Ms Reynolds said.

“It’s exciting to have the Mercure available to groups like us. They’ve been supportive in organising the event. It’s a great example of local groups supporting each other.”

The Moving Forward exhibition opens at 9am on Tuesday, 1 June and is viewable for free daily until 5pm at 613 Main Road Ballarat. It will close on Sunday, 11 July.

Visit gpartsinc.com.au.