FIFTY years of arty activities in the Showground Art Gallery was celebrated on Saturday 7 August by the Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group (CHCAG).

“It’s actually 50-plus-one years, thanks to COVID’s postponement last year,” Isabella Brandli, speaking on behalf of CHCAG, told News Of The Area.

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To officially open the commemorative exhibition, ‘Retrospective’, Andrew Fraser, former Member for Coffs Harbour stepped in for Gurmesh Singh, who was unable to attend owing to a family commitment.

“I’ve enjoyed a long association with the Gallery and while there has been a lot of different people I’ve worked with on the Trust, there’s been one constant – hard-working volunteers bringing it all together,” said Andrew.

“The Retrospective exhibition shows works from the archives, displayed to take visitors along a timeline, which shows snapshots of the history of our group,” Isabella said.

It tells of a group of artists working together based in Jetty High School.

“In 1958, six of those original artists decided to form a group, calling it Coffs Harbour Arts Group.

“The building they met in still stands today, on a road now named Studio Lane, thanks to the CHCAG group’s studio location.”

Through the whole timeline there are a variety of watercolours, oils, pastels showing wildlife, and flowers, as well as printmaking and fibre art, submitted by past and present tutors, along with a brief bio.

“A lot of people like to look at and paint or draw landscapes and flowers, it’s been such a common theme throughout the years.”

Long-term, Life Member, Ken Pay was honoured, and the efforts of many of the CHCAG’s stalwarts were also recognised at the opening.

Retrospective runs until 1 September.

The gallery is open 10 am to 2 pm, Monday to Saturday, with free entry.

By Andrea FERRARI