A friendship buoyed by art

WHEN Kim Darragh first entered Maria Dee’s art studio in Kilmore, it was the beginning of a firm friendship and inspirational collaboration.

The two have been exhibiting their work together at art shows and galleries for three years.

“I used to walk past with my daughter,” said Ms Darragh.

“Then one day I decided to take a chance and went in.

“I asked Maria if it was okay to paint wide-eyed girls as my daughter loved them. Maria replied that I could do whatever I wanted.

“I joined the classes and later my daughter joined. She has now won awards for her work.”

Darragh and Dee are exhibiting their work at Heathcote Winery for the third time until 23 September.

“The owners and staff are very supportive, and we love coming here. It is a wonderful space to display our work,” said Dee.

“Our styles are very different, and we hope we have selected some pieces to suit all tastes.

“One of our favourite things is to get feedback from people viewing our work.

“Of course, we do a happy dance when we sell something but the feedback, positive or negative, helps to inspire us.

“We never stop learning and evolving.”

Besides painting, Darragh and Dee both enjoy sculpture and furniture restoration.

“We’ll try anything. If it works, it works, if not it doesn’t matter,” said Darragh.

“We all have an inner artist, we just have to bring it out.”

Darragh and Dee recently helped to set up not-for-profit Visual Arts Community Inc to support artists in Central Victoria.

“We want to support other artists, mentor them and have social gatherings,” said Dee.

She is raffling one of her paintings to raise funds for the organisation. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 and are available at Heathcote Winery.