NAMBUCCA Valley Arts Council is proud to present two new exhibitions at the Stringer Gallery in Ridge Street.

Audrey Williams, as the August Artist of the Month, is presenting ‘Australiana’, which showcases a selection of pastels based on Australian landscapes and fauna.

Audrey has been an active Arts Council member for many years as both a volunteer and an exhibiting artist.

Audrey’s great love for the Australian environment was enhanced when she made two amazing journeys throughout Australia, all alone, in her fitted-out Toyota Hiace, back in 2003/04.

What exciting times she had, travelling to places like Cairns, Kakadu, Mt Isa, Katherine, Darwin, Alice Springs, King’s Canyon, Uluru, Broome, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and then back to her home in Nambucca!

These places gave her a wealth of images and ideas for her creative painting endeavours, which was a new direction for her after her travels.

Previously, Audrey had worked as a music teacher at Macksville High School and gave private tuition for many years.

One of the most rewarding aspects for the intrepid traveller was meeting interesting personalities along the way and seeing first-hand how people supported each other to enable the regions to survive and thrive.

Referring to what inspires her, Audrey reflects that, “The water, sky and the bush make such a beautiful image.

“The blue of the sky, the green of the trees, when seen together, seem to promote a happy feeling in everyone.

“It seems to be this that works for me.”

Water is a subject that often appears in her pastels.

She will be displaying waterfall, sunset, sunrise and animal themes in her soon to be installed exhibition.

Without a doubt, ‘Australiana’ will reflect the glory of the Australian environment in its many forms.

‘Landscapes and Scenes Around the World’ is the new Feature exhibition open to all NVAC members and will be installed for two months.

Although we cannot travel to see the world under present circumstances, your Arts Council is bringing the world to Nambucca!

‘Australiana’ will be on exhibition from Wednesday 4 – Friday 27 August.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and Saturday 9.30am to noon.

From the second week in August the Gallery will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays as well.