July 5, 2021
“Iconic” is a word often misused and abused but this month’s Wondai Art Gallery exhibition is truly – and literally – “iconic”.
That is, it includes a collection of icons (religious artwork) crafted by Fr Michael Carroll, a priest who has served in both the Murgon and Kingaroy Catholic parishes.
Unfortunately, Fr Carroll – who is now chaplain at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital – could not make it to the opening night on Friday due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
However, current Murgon parish priest Fr Bryan Pipins filled in, explaining some of the symbolism in the icons hung in Gallery 1 as well the windows they opened to the understanding of Christian figures such as St Mary Mackillop, St Thomas More and St Paul.
But “Images Of Saints” is only one of the four exhibitions at Wondai this month.
The exhibition in the Main Gallery is an eclectic collection of works by artists from the Monday Artists group which meets twice monthly at the old 1913 Council Chambers in Kingaroy.
There are works by 12 artists, including everything from watercolours and oils, to inks and ceramics.
The Monday Artists group’s “Just For The Love Of It” display was also affected by COVID restrictions.
The exhibition had been originally scheduled for last year, but the pandemic scuttled that plan.
The title comes from an old Charlie Pride song, which artist Darryl Jones quoted at the opening, that sums up the aims of the art group:
Oh it’s just for the love of it that’s all the reason you need
What more could anyone ask, satisfaction guaranteed
Don’t chase rainbows or your pot of gold, you’ll always have enough
If you’ll do everything you do just for the love
In Gallery 3, Barlil artist Maureen Addenbrooke has “Bee-Eaters And Bottle Trees: Stories From A Country Change”, illustrating some of the amazing creatures and plants she has spotted along Barambah Creek.
Maureen has used intaglio etching, botanical printing, pottery, dyeing and hand-made books to illustrate her finds.
The stick furniture used to display her works was made by her partner, Phil Punter.
Students from Proston State School have taken over Kidz Korner with a colourful display of small works.
The exhibitions can be viewed at the gallery until the end of this month. Entry is free.
