Life member to unveil seaside exhibition

THIS weekend is a big one for Nita Von Stanke as she unveils her second solo exhibition – her first since a SALA (South Australian Living Artists) exhibition almost a decade ago.

For Nita, though, this one, opening at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex Gallery at 12.30pm this Saturday, is special as it is her first local solo showing.

A life member of the South East Art Society, creativity is in Nita’s blood.

“My great uncle was an artist in the early part of the last century in Europe,” she said. “I believe it has been passed on from him.

“It has been rekindled in me during the last two decades and I am also inspired by Sir Hans Heysens amazing works, incorporating light and shade which has encouraged me in my works.”

Titled ‘Beyond the Canvas’ this exhibition is all new works as Nita looks to show that art takes many forms and she certainly loves to dabble in a number of different mediums.

“This exhibition has a complete variety of subjects including seascapes, nautical subjects, flora and fauna,” she said.

“My favourite medium is working in acrylic, but also like to experiment with watercolour, mixed media and papier mache and in recent times have reverted to using oils which takes me back to the very start of my artistic journey at the age of 12,” Nita said.

“Art was always my favourite subject at school.”

But she did take a hiatus from creating for almost 30 years before her family encouraged her to enter the Admella 150th Exhibition.

“In that time since I have been mostly self taught and attending some workshops and classes,” Nita said. “I joined South East Art Society in 2009 and have been a valued member participating on the committee and as property officer for a number of years, with achieving life member status.

“Being amongst like minded people and encouragement from other members is of great value to me as well as sharing my knowledge to others and making some wonderful friends along the way.”

The exhibition runs until January 29.