Hidden Gems shine in Beaufort

MEMBERS of Golden Plains Arts Inc’s Hidden Gems open artists’ studios are presenting a group exhibition at Beaufort.

Shire-based creatives including painters Kate Wise and Stella Clarke, ceramicists Barry Wemyss and Myra Romeril, and printmaker Vida Pearson are showcasing pieces at the railway station’s Art Trax Gallery.

Wise said the works will be displayed throughout the space’s three light-filled rooms.

“As you enter, there is Vida’s work, including a special limited-edition print, Carmine Bee-eaters, which has been purchased by a prestigious gallery in the US, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum,” she said.

“Myra and Barry’s ceramics are in first room. Myra makes handcrafted and hand painted ceramic earrings, and Barry’s ceramics reflect his love of his local environment, with his signature celadon green, earthy browns, and simple shapes.

“In the second room are Stella’s beautiful, large, richly-coloured landscapes about the coast, the bush and dam near her studio.”

Clarke is pleased to show her paintings in the exhibition space which she said is historic and “charming.”

“It’s nice to take our artwork out of town and make it accessible to people who might not think of going to a gallery, or can’t get into town. It’s nice to have that reach, she said.

“Previously, I’ve shown work mainly in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat, but am all in favour of doing things out of town in regional places, having a different audience and different types of feedback.”

The paintings Wise is exhibiting were created during lockdown. She chose bright colours to uplift herself during that time, and the pieces each have “strong environmental messages.”

“They’re in fluorescent pinks, yellows, greens, and all about two children’s books; The Lorax, and The Nargun and the Stars,” she said.

The Art Trax Gallery is open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, staffed by local volunteers. Indigenous artist Louise Numina’s paintings are also on show within the space.

On Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 October the Hidden Gems artists will be at the gallery instead of the usual volunteers, and their regular studios will be closed.

“The exhibition is free, Beaufort is a beautiful town and there are some great spots for lunch,” Wise said.

The exhibition is open throughout October, and will possibly run into November.