Artists collective to unveil works

Local author set to open new Gallery 54 exhibition in Penola

Like-minded artists gather together for enhanced creativity, the strength of working in a group, laughter, support, successes, failures, constructive criticism, life lessons and coffee.

It’s a simple concept and it is how the latest exhibition to be unveiled at Penola’s Gallery 54 settled on its theme – Birds of a Feather.

The exhibition will feature a variety of artwork from the Artshed Artists collective of local artists under the mentorship of Ann Carpenter, in acrylics and charcoal, with each artist hoping to convey their story and a growing confidence in their art journey.

Birds of a Feather participating artists showcasing their work are John Mossop, Sue Foureur, Michelle Curtis, Margaret Boardman, Kayleen Harris, Julie Linnell, Andrea Bartetzko, Annette Cassidy, Shirley Hogg, Dianne Nicholson, Julie Forgan and Debbie Prescott.

The Artshed Artists held their first exhibition in the Gallery 54 exhibition space in September 2021 and now these 12 rural artists, including three new artists Kayleen Harris, Julie Linnell and Julie Forgan, have developed and gained further experience to now offer up this second exhibition.

Both Ann and the artists were keen for a locally based celebrity to open the Birds of a Feather exhibition and bestselling author Maya Linnell (pictured), who grew up in the Limestone Coast and lives in South West Victoria, was happy to oblige, officially unveiling the works this Sunday at 1.30pm at the gallery.

Maya said she was delighted to support fellow rural creatives and looked forward to seeing the Birds of a Feather exhibition in person. Eagle-eyed readers will spot references to the Limestone Coast in all four of her novels with Allen & Unwin.

Her latest novel, Kookaburra Cottage will be out in June and is also likely to strike a chord with local readers, thanks to the South Australian setting in the fictional grape-growing district of ‘Penwarra’.

Birds of a Feather exhibition will run from this Sunday’s opening until May 7.

Gallery 54 is located in historic Penola, adjoining the premium wine growing area of Coonawarra.

It was established in 1997 by a collective of artists to promote not only local artists in the community, but offer an exhibition space for other emerging and practising artists of the rural region.

Gallery 54 has received state tourism awards for their contributions to the arts industry.

The gallery offers the visitor the opportunity to view and purchase the works on display and meet the individual artists who staff the gallery in rotation.

The members’ works on display include paintings, drawings, printmaking, works on paper, textiles, ceramics and sculpture.

Visitors are invited to the opening at 1.30 pm at Gallery 54, this Sunday, where all works are for sale.

Gallery 54 opens Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 3pm, and you can keep up to date with all their news on their social media platforms.

FEATURED WORKS: (Below from left) Argyle View by Shirley Hogg; Commute by Kayleen Harris & Autumn Bounty by Annette Cassidy