May 9, 2014
Four Cooyar friends will be making their debut into the art world this evening when their premiere exhibition, “Four Friends”, officially opens at the Rosalie Gallery in Goombungee.
Maureen and Dick Winser, and Heather and Neville McNalty, will have a range of works on display in multiple media.
“This exhibition became a reality because of our friendship,” Maureen said.
“At one of our many morning teas Heather mentioned that she had been asked to exhibit her pastels. Thinking she would never have enough on her own, she suggested all of us also contribute.
“So here we are.”
Dick is exhibiting segmented wood turning.
“Even though he has worked with timber most of his life, this was a new concept for him,” Maureen said.
“He likes a good challenge and this is where it has led, producing these beautiful pieces of art from different timbers.”
Maureen decided on mosaics, which she has been producing for about 20 years.
“This was an easy decision,” she said.
“We used to have a leadlight business so there were always many pieces of coloured glass left from the different jobs. Mosaics were an obvious way to use them up.”
She now also includes old china, beads, buttons, and other found items in her works.
Heather only became serious about her pastels seven years ago.
“Realism is her passion whether it be scenery, animals, or still life,” Maureen said.
Her husband Neville was inspired to start producing garden ornaments after his grandson learned to weld.
“Having always made things for Heather’s garden, he took up this hobby and now there is great competition between them to see who can produce the best garden art from old farm bits and pieces,” Maureen said.
The exhibition will be officially opened this evening at an invitation-only event but will be open to the public until June 1.
The Rosalie Gallery, located in the old Rosalie Shire Council Chambers, is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10:30am to 3:30pm.
