Artists’ show success

By Melissa Donchi
DESPITE a heavy downpour and a deserted main street, the Mount Evelyn and Yarra Valley Arts Society raised more than $2000 at its annual Queen’s Birthday exhibition in Healesville last week.
While not as financially successful as last year, treasurer Guhendolen Storey said it was still a very good day for the local art society.
“Out of the 23 members that entered artworks, 13 artists sold something which is fantastic,” Ms Storey said.
It is the third time the society has exhibited at The Darren Honey Centre in Healesville and its good reputation has secured it a permanent position there on the Queen’s Birthday each year.
The next exhibition is at the Warratina Lavender Farm between 13-21 October.
“Depending on our space we usually contribute four paintings each as well as a box of unframed paintings at bargain prices,” Ms Storey said.
“Because we are an arts society we also sell gift boxes, cards and bookmarks at prices you would pay at a newsagency.”
Ms Storey said the society is a place where artists can exchange ideas and get feedback on their own work.
“My husband died two years ago and without the company of my fellow artists at the society I would have been lost,” she said.
“I was always good at painting at school but life took its course and I didn’t end up doing anything about it until I was 58 years old – and when I did it was like I had filled in a hole I never knew was there.”
The Mount Evelyn and Yarra Valley Arts Society meets on the first Sunday of the month at 1.30pm at the Coldstream Community Centre, Kelso Street, Coldstream.
For more details contact Pamela Gordon on 5962 5300.