For 14 years, Moruya’s Art Central has fostered a passion for art as a healer, and this Mental Health Month, this philosophy will be front and centre during the centre’s annual art showcase.
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Artworks of all mediums – from acrylics, Indigenous works, photographs and hand-made books – will be on display from October 12 to 21 as part of the ‘All in Art’ exhibition.
Art Central manager Kerry Strange said artists had spent many months preparing for the showcase.
“We’re very proud that we have a number of people with different abilities and disabilities,” Ms Strange said.
“We take everyone and don’t discriminate in any way and have a very strong belief that the creative process is very healing for both physical and mental health.”
Ms Strange said the exhibition afforded many artists, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, a platform to display their work.
Moruya artist Pete Gallagher will display his intricate paintings in the exhibition for a second year. Mr Gallagher said his “fertile imagination”, combined with his passion for Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, inspired his two pieces on display.
“Somebody suggested many years ago, ‘why don’t you paint your own stuff’, so I do,” Mr Gallagher said.
“I find immense satisfaction in painting my own stuff as opposed to whatever everybody else is painting.
“In the case of Tolkien, he’s a very descriptive writer, so I go with his descriptions and I illustrate his work.”
This year’s exhibition is promised to be bigger and better, thanks to funding from Uniting’s Ability Links. Ability Linker Ann Murphy said the exhibition was a reflection of diversity.
“Art Central annually does these exhibitions but thanks to the funding, it’s going to be bigger and better than ever and they’ve been able to work more closely with people with additional needs to help them be ready to display their works and sell their works,” Ms Murphy said.
“It’s exciting that it’s giving people that extra bit of support and seeing what they can accomplish.”
Art Central’s ‘All in Art’ exhibition will be on display at the Old Salvos store, Shop 5 Moruya Square, next to IGA, from Friday, October 12 to Sunday, October 21, 2018. The opening night will be this Friday, from 5pm. All invited.
