Fairbridge

FINDING “inspiration around every corner” was the reason a group of Murray artists opted to hold their first combined exhibition at Fairbridge Village. The group of print makers work individually and have been coming together about once a month to exchange ideas and share techniques.

Their collaboration culminated when their exhibition, titled A Day At Fairbridge, opened over on November 15 at Fairbridge Village. It will be on show until January 5.

Organiser Lesley Orr said it was important for the artists to hold the exhibition at Fairbridge because part proceeds from the sale of the works would go towards charity work with disadvantaged young people and other Fairbridge activities.

The Fairbridge Village art gallery sells more paintings than any other gallery in the Peel.
Artist Llynne Neil said she was keen for the commission funds to go towards a proposed new arts precinct, which would add to the many other facilities in the heritage-listed Fairbridge townsite. “I think an arts precinct would be inspirational sited at Fairbridge,” Ms Neil said. “You’ve got everything there – inspiration around every corner.”

The exhibition’s artists include Vanessa Black, Judy Evans, Derk Luiten, Ms Neil, Ms Orr, Fran Wilden, Fairbridge artist-in-residence Jenni Ruyter and others.
The prints are as individual as the artists and depict Fairbridge’s rich birdlife, flora and fauna. Ms Neil said the attraction of print making was that there were so many varied techniques and as a result, many different outcomes. “You can use print making in conjunction with many other art forms,” she said. “In the exhibition, artists have added features of water colour, chincole and pen and ink.” “Also, you never know quite what you’re going to get – there is that element of surprise.”