By Derek Schlennstedt
An exhibition held at Mont De Lancey’s Ray Oliver Gallery will see a group of women from the Yarra Valley exhibit their artwork for the first time.
Having studied under the guidance of professional artist Sandra Dare, the women are now ready to present their own work to the public.
The exhibition is a 50-work collection by the group of student artists who have been attending weekly classes with Sandra for nearly two years at the Mount Evelyn Community House.
Pam Vroland, one of the student artists who will be exhibiting her work said that each of them had their own different style and each piece of work was profoundly different to the others.
“I don’t think there’s anything the same.
“I’m personally inclined to draw animals, flowers, and figures but one of the other ladies has a really modern touch to drawing and another loves oil paints.
We’re all very different which is a nightmare for Sandy,” Ms Vroland said.
This is the first time the students are exhibiting their work to members of the public and Pam said she was quite nervous at showing her works to people other than those in the class.
“You don’t mind sharing with the class and with Sandy but sharing with the rest of the world – even when I took my work in to get it framed for the exhibition, it was like visiting a psychiatrist – I looked at his face to see what response I would get.”
For the past 18 months Pam has had weekly lessons with Sandy and appreciates the quiet and serenity it offers.
“Art can save your sanity, and that’s what we’ve all found,” said Mr Vroland.
The exhibition is at the Ray Oliver Gallery at Mont De Lancey and will open Saturday 3 June, and run until Sunday 18 June.
All works will be available to purchase.
