Naracoorte unveils Christmas Tree masterpieces

Lovingly-crafted Christmas trees made of a diverse range of recycled materials star in the latest exhibition at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery.

About 40 trees created by community members and groups use egg cartons, buttons, handmade woollen decorations, old doors, old picture frames, fishing rods, gum branches, pallets, vinyl records, sea glass and more, to welcome Christmas to the district.

The trees were auctioned by Cr Tom Dennis at the opening night attended by almost 100 people.

Auctions results were variable but the top price was paid for a wall-hanging tree made of stuffed patchwork triangles, linked together and created by members of Padthaway Women in Agriculture and Business.

Earlier, the Naracoorte Singers got proceedings off to a bright start with their selection of upbeat Christmas songs.

Members of the group were positioned on the staircase of the two storey Gallery with conductor Erika Vickery and accompanist, Marion Orton looking up from the ground floor.

Father Christmas popped up for a photo session with children and some parents.

Di Vine, president of the Captured Images Camera club was in charge, ably helped by Sue Fitzgerald and Vanessa Mikutta.

Some children had their faces painted by Kendra Bilston and her helpers, some from the After School Art Group which runs at the Naracoorte Library.

Voting began on the People’s Choice sponsored popular vote contest in which two winners will both receive $150.

Visitors to the Gallery can cast their votes until December 15 when the winners will be announced.

Groups who created trees – Naracoorte Joey Scouts, Naracoorte South Primary School including Rooms 13 and 19, Naracoorte North Kindergarten, the Cancer Council Naracoorte, After School Art Group, Padthaway WAB, Men’s Shed, South East Motor Co, Embroiderer’s Guild, Mill Quilters Spinners and Weavers.

The exhibition runs until December 15 during opening hours – Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm.