LOCALS and tourists wanting to capture the creative essence of the Myall Coast should head to the Tea Gardens Hotel this long weekend for the annual ‘Winter Warmers’ art exhibition.

This year, the members of the ‘Galleries in the Garden’ group have attracted a high profile judge to review and award the works of art on display.

“Kim Blunt is senior Curator at Maitland Regional Art Gallery,” Colleen MacSween told News Of The Area.

“Kim is highly respected in regional NSW for her contribution to the Gallery’s significant growth over the last decade and a half,” Colleen said.

“Being surrounded by such natural beauty, no wonder Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest is well-known for its artist community,” Kim Blunt said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the latest works and how this year’s theme of ‘habitat’ has been creatively represented,” Kim said.

Over the years the Tea Gardens Hotel has been a ‘habitat’ for more than just people.

‘’Only about a decade ago, a koala was spotted getting comfy in a small tree in the hotel’s back garden,” Colleen said.

“Then there was a resident blue-tongue lizard who roamed the gardens for his snail dinners, and one day was spotted snuggling down under a bed by a group of visitors who cried ‘Snake!’ as they ran to the hotel staff!”

The Galleries in the Gardens Winter Warmers opens this Friday night with a complimentary drink and nibbles from 5pm.

Kim Blunt will reveal the winning arts from the display of paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and ceramics.

Hotels owners Emily and Ben Hanson will also announce the Publicans’ Award for the best work.

The free exhibition continues 10am to 4pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday 12 June at the hotel on Marine Drive.

For further details see www.galleriesinthegardens.com.au or the Galleries In The Gardens Facebook page.

 

By Margie TIERNEY