Creativity abounds as Dungog Arts Society opens new exhibition Dungog Shire Dungog Shire News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 7, 2025 Musicians Rachel Butcher and Rod Kiena played at the opening. PRIZES, paintings and performances featured on Friday evening at the opening of Dungog Arts Society’s latest exhibition. The creative showcase was officially opened by Dungog Shire councillor Michael Dowling. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The largest number of entries, mostly paintings, were attracted by the themed category, “Gaia Is”, which inspired diverse interpretations from landscapes to sculptural ceramic pieces. Painter John Edge won with his traditional painting, “Still Life – Mandrines”. As well as paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media items and photography, the visual arts section has three dimensional artworks including a striking patchwork piece by Gayle Hamment of Dungog. Entries in visual arts were judged by Gloucester creative Tracey Murrell. John Grimes, the crafts judge, presented prizes in that section. Craft has a strong number of entries. There is even a large piece of taxidermy and a naughty gnome. The “Wood” category has freeform creations by Dungog artisan Sharon Newberry and more traditional work from DAS member, Ken Stobbart. In keeping with the theme, Clarence Town artist Bec Towers read her poetry dressed as the goddess. Performers Rachel Butcher, Jim and Meera Jarvis, Rod Kiena and Yvonne Pario, and Robert W. Smith entertained guests with a range of musical styles. Local visual artist and society member, Wendy Graham said that the evening was, “very enjoyable”. As well as monetary prizes and framing vouchers donated by the society’s sponsors, new frames were given out as prizes. These were especially popular with the recipients. Art and craft works are on display at the gallery for three months. Artists and artisans can still display new work in the exhibition during that period. Musicians, poets and other performing artists of all ages can showcase their talents at “Gig in the Gog” every second Sunday. Entertainers at the “Gaia Is” opening were selected from artists who attended Gigs. There will be opportunities for acts attending future Gigs to perform at the April exhibition opening. The next Gig is on 19 January. “Gaia Is” can be viewed at 266 Dowling Street, Dungog. Visit www.dungogarts.com.au or phone 0437315191 for more info. By Lisa WISEMAN Craft judge John Grimes of Dungog. Dungog Shire councillor Michael Dowling, Dungog Arts Society Treasurer Ruth Dirks, Secretary Lorraine Wiseman and artist Bec Towers. Clarence Town artist Bec Towers as the goddess Gaia, in front of John Edge’s winning still-life painting. Jim and Meera Jarvis performing at the “Gaia Is” opening.
