It also attracts those from the arts community who draw inspiration from the many attributes of the region.

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Three years ago noted visual artist John Dowzard and his wife relocated to Scotts Head from Sydney, the move described by John as the best decision of his life.

Although initially working for NSW Health out of Coffs Harbour, John’s purpose built studio at his Scotts Head home meant the seasoned artist could dedicate the lion’s share of his time to his art.

John’s love for art has been with him all of his life and he was always drawing and doodling as a small child.

John’s parents were very supportive of his art and he describes his highly creative father as his best critic.

In year five of school John and some classmates held their first art exhibition.

John’s dedication to his art continued to grow from there, going on to study graphic design for four years.

Every few years John would accumulate enough of his work to put an exhibition on, only taking his foot off the pedal a little when kids came along and family matters required more attention.

In 2001 one of John’s drawings was a finalist in the prestigious Dobell Drawing Prize at the New South Wales Art Gallery.

“I still draw, at home or on holidays, it’s always been there, always been a passion,” John told News Of The Area.

“Since I have been living in Scotts Head I find that there has been a lot of interest in my work and people that come around to see my work have been suggesting that I put it on show.”

On Saturday 24 February an exhibition of John’s work will go on display at the Matilda Street Gallery in Macksville.

“This will be the first retrospective exhibit I have done covering four decades with about 54 works on display at the gallery,” John said.

The exhibit has the Beatles-inspired name of Now and Then and offers art lovers a rare opportunity to see the artist’s development over time.

Now and Then, an exhibition of the works of John Dowzard will open at 3:00 pm on Saturday 24 February at the Matilda Street Gallery Macksville.

The Exhibition will run until 23 March and can be viewed Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to Midday.

By Mick BIRTLES