IN time for easy Christmas shopping, the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre has opened its Sea Art and Christmas Display.

The gallery is filled with many unique hand-crafted items as well as works from contributing artists exploring the artistic wonder in our marine parks, ocean and bay waters.

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The Christmas display features handcrafted goods which are perfect stocking fillers, and a Christmas raffle is currently underway.

Meryl Miller of the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre told News Of The Area, “The Christmas raffle is bigger and better than before, you need to be in it to win it.”

At present, the centre’s featured potter is Jenny Crozier and the featured artist is Mike Verran.

Mike, who was born in New Zealand, enjoyed art as a young teen in the 60s, mostly drawing cartoon characters.

Over the following years Mike worked in many fields and travelled the world extensively for both business and pleasure.

Drawing was limited to doodling and experimenting with digital drawing on Adobe Illustrator in whatever spare time was available.

In the late 70s, Mike settled in Australia and worked across multiple industries including publishing, retail and wholesale, before spending eighteen years employed with the NSW Government in child protection.

Retiring to Nelson Bay in 2015 he joined the Port Stephens Community Art Centre, and with the help and encouragement of other gallery members, his talent became evident, especially in black and white drawings.

During Covid lockdowns Mike’s desire to draw was rekindled and spare time allowed indulgence.

Mike became self-taught through online tutorials, workshops and Youtube videos.

Expanding his skills into colour pencil, watercolour and gouache.

During this time commissions were negotiated online for family and pet portraits as well as works for private collections.

He continues to expand his newfound talents and intends to explore other mediums and techniques.

The Port Stephens Community Art Gallery is on Cultural Close at Nelson Bay.

By Marian SAMPSON