Local artist, activist and original Freedom Rider, Machteld Hali, continues her tireless efforts in supporting her community and advocating for the rights and empowerment of First Nations people. With the launch of her latest art fundraiser at The Tempest Gallery on 17 May, Machteld hopes to raise the remaining funds for her phenomenal $20k contribution to education for First Nations people at the University of New England. Machteld is guided by a strong desire to help, grown from some of her own experiences of hatred and discrimination as an immigrant in this country. It began in 1965 when Machteld participated in the Charles Perkins Freedom Ride run by Sydney University. The Freedom Ride was a 15 day bus journey through regional NSW and has since become a defining moment in Australian activism, now taught about in schools. The Freedom Ride was intended to spread awareness for the poor conditions that indigenous people were living in NSW at the time. Machteld recounts the Freedom Ride and the things she saw during the journey from a time where indigenous people were excluded from movie theatres, swimming pools, RSL clubs, etc. Many were living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions in reserves and missions in ‘shanty towns’. The fundraiser is aptly named “No More Eggs and Tomatoes” as a nod to the events that occurred at the Moree swimming pool. Machteld and the group of Freedom Riders were run out of town by angry locals throwing eggs and rotten tomatoes, spitting and fighting the peaceful protestors. Culminating in their bus being run off the road and their bus driver abandoning the group, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. The art fundraiser will feature a diverse selection of framed artworks generously donated by Hali herself, her students and a range of local artists. Notable contributions include pieces from acclaimed artists such as Pro Hart, Auguste Blackman, Robyn Sharp, Becky Guggisverg, and Kerrina Swords.  The evening will provide food, drink and entertainment and the opportunity to bid on the art in an auction. Currently Machteld has raised $16,125 for the scholarship administered by the University of New England, with the goal to hit $20k. Machteld has hosted at least 10 workshops, some free, encouraging students to donate their work to two previous exhibitions that have helped contribute to the funds.  In 2015, the University of Sydney hosted a reenactment of the Freedom Ride with 19 of the original members on board. The changes in the communities they visited were palpable and a complete turn around to the hostility the group had faced fifty years earlier. Healthy indigenous children lined the roads into town, and the townspeople welcomed the riders with appreciation for their past efforts. Despite progress, challenges still persist and many issues related to identity loss, intergenerational unemployment and substance abuse are still prevalent in regional towns like Moree. Machteld is motivated by these ongoing struggles and believes ‘education is the golden arrow’. Reflecting on the challenges addressed by the original Freedom Ride, Machteld emphasises the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past injustices. Those interested in attending the fundraiser or contributing to the cause are encouraged to contact Machteld by email at [email protected]. Details of the gallery open night can be found here. Through collective action and unwavering dedication, Machteld aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations people, one brushstroke at a time. In a bid to continue the legacy of the historic Freedom Ride of 1965, the artist continues to be a voice for our indigenous people, reminding us all of the importance of shared community and culture.

“It’s finally my turn to shine,” laughs Foxground artist Robyn Sharp. “I’ve always been the director's wife, now I’m the star.”The director Robyn refers to is her husband Lindsay, the former head of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and world-renowned museologist. While her comments are tongue-in-cheek, the curation of this show, held in the Gerringong Art Gallery adjacent to the Gerringong Library and Museum (GlaM), is all Robyn’s with her husband happily following directions on where to hang her stunning artworks. Paintings and drawings which use a range of mediums, including pencil, acrylic and charcoal and capture the beauty of the Australian bush in all its variations; fire, flood and in full bloom.It is the elements that have inspired Robyn’s third show Dreaming of Dharawal Days. Much of her recent work focuses on the local landscape, at Bundanon, Jervis Bay, Moreton National Park, and of course her beloved Foxground - home to the hidden gem that is her Cedar Ridge Art Studio.It is where Robyn and Lindsay watched in terror as ash from the 2019 bushfires rained down on them, and a raging inferno edged ever-closer to their property. Thankfully their home and Robyn’s studio was spared.“But after the fires I had to create a lot of artwork to get it out of my system, I dealt with the trauma through art,” she explains, pointing to a detailed depiction of a grass tree.“This is one of my favourites. I painted it shortly after the fires when Lindsay and I went for a walk in the Moreton National Park. The bush was deathly silent, there were no birds, no animals but the grass trees were in full flower. It was so heartening to see such beautiful regeneration after the fires. It gave me hope.”Hope is something we could all use more of, given the extreme weather events that have lashed the coast in recent years.“With climate change comes more intensive weather systems and we get flooded in on our property at least once or twice a year now,” says Robyn. “When you live in a beautiful place you are often at the mercy of the elements.”But she wouldn’t trade her picturesque studio for any other in the world, and she has had a few; in the United States, Canada, England and a “little flat in Paris”.“One of the benefits of being the director’s wife is that I could go to art school in Chelsea (during Lindsay’s stint as the director of London’s National Science Museum in the early 2000s). I had some incredible teachers and mentors who shared their knowledge of figurative drawing and sculpture during that time,”But Robyn credits the free university scheme under Gough Whitlam’s government for kickstarting a long and illustrious career as an artist.“I won a scholarship to the National Art School in Sydney, under the then Whitlam Government’s free university education scheme. I had a living allowance of $10 a week for food and board, can you believe it,” she asks incredulously. It is this sense of wonder, of how far she has come as an artist, that endears the artist to members of the community who poke their head into the gallery as she sets up her Dreaming of Dharawal Days exhibition, the first show to be held in the Gerringong gallery space. A husband and wife offer to help Robyn hang one of her works and walk away with a breathtaking landscape before her show has officially opened. Dreaming of Dharawal Days will be on display at GLaM to April 24, before moving to Cin Cin’s Wine Bar May 7.

Entries are now open for the Kiama Art Society’s 45th Annual Art Exhibition, to be held at The Kiama Leagues Club in July. This is the Art Society’s major event, which draws entries each year from local artists, the South Coast, Metropolitan Sydney and beyond. Prize money this year is $10,000, with the major “Best in Exhibition” prize of $3,000. Prizes are awarded in Landscape/Seascape, Local area, Abstract, Still Life, Portraiture and Figurative. Works in these sections can be in any medium. There is also a special prize for watercolour. “The exhibition is a wonderful display of varied and interesting art, ranging from traditional to abstract and contemporary” said Helen Pain, art society president. “This is a great way for artists to have work hung in a professionally presented exhibition which will be viewed by hundreds of visitors and local art lovers. There is something for everyone across a wide price range, and each year many works find new homes.”The exhibition is sponsored by many local business, including major sponsors Kiama Leagues Club and Kiama Municipal Council. The exhibition Opening function will be on June 7th, Opening hours 10am to 5pm, June 8  to June 16th. Entries forms can be downloaded from the website kiamaartsociety.org.au. Entries close April 30th, 2024. For further information you can contact Helen Pain at 0432 232 054 or by email [email protected]

The walls of Minnamurra Cafe are lined with Brian Scott’s incredible photography from early April and until early May. An ex teacher and Kiama Downs resident, Brian brings a very local presence to the cafe. Brian’s debut exhibition, Kiama Through Local Eyes, is a bright and vivid perspective that offers a stunning insight into our local landscapes and environment. Not only can patrons go to the cafe to enjoy the art and the atmosphere but they also have the opportunity to buy the photographs on display. The project is an innovation by Expressive Art Wall.  The exhibition will run until 13 May so get down to Minamurra to see some amazing shots and grab a cup of coffee. Keep a look out for Brian’s incredible sports photography in The Bugle both in print and on our digital app. We know all the sports teams love logging in after a big weekend to see the latest. 

The Kiama Show Society has announced a new spin on the classic portraits section of the annual art show, asking entrants to create a piece of work featuring an important figure from the area who defines the spirit of Kiama. The initiative has been badged Kia-Bald and will be incorporated into the adult art section at next year’s Kiama Show.Subjects should be well known for their work in arts, sports, community, civic, or business groups. Permission must be sought from subjects beforehand. The Show Society has announced this theme with plenty of time for participants to prepare their materials and ideas. With generous cash prizes up for grabs for first and second place as well as the People’s Choice category, the competition is sure to stir community interest. Entries close on 20 January, 2025, giving entrants plenty of time to coordinate their efforts in time for next year’s Kiama Show.

The Bugle’s amazing photographer Brian Scott is set to unveil his inaugural photography exhibition at Minnamurra Cafe on Monday 1 April. With 15 incredibly eye-catching pieces to line the walls, Brian is excited to have his work on display for the public to browse and purchase his work. The collection boasts some incredible shots of the stunning local landscapes that Kiama, Minnamurra and surrounds can provide. The bright display will take audiences on a visual journey with Brian’s  keen eye for detail and a long career in photography that has allowed him to develop the skills necessary to produce the high quality of work that he so consistently produces. Brian says his favourite thing to photograph is anything unpredictable. He loves the rodeo, the surf, and sports and these interests have helped him to develop some impressive skills behind the camera - his action shots are unrivalled. He has worked for The Bugle for four years and in that time has contributed over 5000 shots to the newspaper. With a long list of photography achievements and accolades throughout his career, this upcoming exhibition is sure to delight audiences. He’s known around the community as the friendly face behind the camera. He has an extensive list of incredible stories and experiences he has been able to witness through his photography. Visitors to the Minnamurra Cafe can expect to be immersed in the world as Brian sees it, each photograph telling a story of passion and dedication to his craft and his community. 

This weekend the streets of Kiama, Gerringong and surrounds were bustling with people making their way around the exciting events across the area. The Bugle was lucky enough to make it to several of them. The NSW Seniors Festival kicked off on Monday 11 March and continues to Sunday 24 March, the program is available here with a number of events organised to celebrate the two-week festival.Gerringong Rotary Markets were a hit at the Old School Park, luckily the rain was held at bay until pack up time. Across the road at the Fern Street Gallery, Carolyn McNally impresses with her Floral Tempest collection, coupled with some incredible works by various local artists. GG Rotary MarketsFloral Tempest Fern St GalleryThe Lloyd Rees Revisited exhibition at GLaM continues until Thursday 21 March, drawing in plenty of crowds. The history buffs made their way to the Kiama Library to listen to Dr. Karl James’s insights on A Day in the Life of a War Historian. Dr. Karl James Nearby at Kiama’s Masonic Hall vinyl enthusiasts were able to browse the Record Fair, sorting through a treasure trove of records available.The Old Fire Station, a constant source of exhibitions and markets, played host to the Curiosity Shop. The display of charcoal art, wearable pieces, candles and digital works are available to browse and purchase until Wednesday 20 March. Curiosity Shop Old Fire StationSunday sees the Seaside Markets come alive at Black Beach, Kiama boasting incredible art, jewellery, food and entertainment to be enjoyed.There’s always something to do, whether it's exploring the local markets, indulging in art exhibitions, checking out the local eateries, the area is never short on community spirit.Check out our What’s On page for continuous updates of what you can get up to next weekend! 

‘Art’s not about imitation, it’s about representation - presenting something already known back in another form.’ Lloyd Rees (via his son Alan)Artist Kerry Suttonberg with her 'Highway to Berry' An eclectic, colourful and lively group of more than 100 attendees packed into GLaM’s exhibition space on Thursday night, for the Gerringong & District Historical Society’s “Lloyd Rees Revisited” A Night at the Museum event. Proceedings opened with a rousing Welcome to Country by Indigenous artist and Elder Auntie Jodie Stewart. There were messages of thanks to many: including Bobbie Miller, who in 2013 instigated the concept with a three-day festival celebrating Lloyd ‘s connection to the local area; the Society’s patron Sandra McCarthy OAM; Louise Croker of South Coast Arts (which provided a grant that helped fund the exhibition); and talented and hard-working curator Sue Blanchfield, who described the exhibition as ‘A contemporary study of the landscape that we love, in memory of Lloyd’.  Artist Heather Philpott with her painting 'Omega Light'The exhibition is an homage to Lloyd’s The Road to Berry (1947) - 63 paintings by 28 local artists who admire his work. An interesting mix of styles, media, various local settings and aspects - traditional, contemporary, realistic, abstract, dreamy, oil, watercolour, pencil, acrylic, lino block print, collage etc across combinations of hills, plants, trees, coastline, roads, dwellings and including two striking indigenous works by Gerringong-based Wiradjuri artist Kay Andonopoulos. Charming guest speaker and architect Richard Leplastrier AO, a great friend of Lloyd’s, and extremely fortunate to have been his student at the University of Sydney; every Wednesday for 5 years, delighted and amused the group with stories of Lloyd and their time together in the local area. Speaking of both the GLaM and the exhibition, Richard was ‘deeply inspired by what you’ve all done here.’Alan Rees (Lloyd Rees' son) who opened the exhibition, with exhibition curator Sue Blanchfield Lloyd Rees was teaching into his nineties. A very youthful 90 plus himself, Lloyd’s son Alan, came up from Tasmania (with his wife Jancis) to open the exhibition. The couple manage Lloyd’s estate and copyright, and have catalogued all his work. Of the word ‘Revisited’ in the exhibition’s title, Alan remarked ‘He’s never unvisited me, he’s been a constant.’Also on exhibit in the foyer, Lloyd’s 3 wonderful colour palettes (courtesy Bill Barbour, Lloyd’s nephew) and newspaper clippings, letters and other memorabilia (courtesy of Astrid Quinn). In the library is a complementary and imaginative collection of The Road to Berry inspired works by Gerringong Primary students.The exhibition confirms the existence of a strong and diverse contemporary arts community in the area with a large attendance and a proliferation of red stickers.The Exhibition is open 8-21 March from 10am- 3pm every day except Mondays.Guest speaker - architect and close friend of Lloyd Rees, Richard Leplastrier AOArtist Leon Sadubin discusssing his 'Lloyd's Curve at Dusk'Artist Marilyn Hawkes with her 'The View from Mt Pleasant'Artist Penny Sadubin with her impressive collage of the Rees family cottagesGerringong Public School Art Enrichment students' work

The Rowan Collective 24 exhibition, held at the Old Fire Station in Kiama, featured contemporary photography by four local artists.The exhibition featured the work of Kiama residents Rowan Hollingworth and Olga Baldock alongside Wollongong locals Geraldine and Brian Lefoe. Olga Baldock’s experimentation with in-camera multiple exposures and multimedia techniques demonstrated a refreshing approach to photography, displaying images that were both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Rowan Hollingworth demonstrated his mastery in digital creation and his ability to transform ordinary subjects into works of art using floral themes, all with a touch of the surreal.Geraldine Lefoe’s skillful use of natural light and the use of a technique called Intention Camera Movement (ICM), which blurs long exposure images, captured serene beach scenes. In contrast Brian Lefoe created striking black and white compositions with geometric elements to add depth to his landscape scenes. Overall, the Collective 24 exhibition, with its array of styles and techniques, was a testament to the power of contemporary photography and the depth of creative talent in our region.

The Kiama Woodcraft Group recently hosted their annual showcase, spotlighting the talents of its approximately 20 active woodworking members. Each member displayed their unique woodcraft practices, producing awe-inspiring pieces that blend functionality with artistic beauty.The members, offer a diverse array of creations that cater to various tastes and preferences. The gallery continues to evolve, with new works unveiled at our monthly club meetings. If you missed the exhibition and are interested in purchasing or commissioning pieces you can do so from the Woodcraft website. A highlight is definitely the people’s choice award – a creation from a block of wood! The talent is phenomenal!

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Foxground, an artist’s enclave lies hidden, known to only a select few who stumble upon its treasures for years. Robyn Sharp, a quietly remarkable artist, has been weaving her magic in this picturesque haven, creating art that speaks volumes about her personal journey and the landscapes that inspire her.What makes Foxground so enchanting isn’t just its breathtaking valley and coastal views, but also the hidden gems like Robyn Sharp tucked away ‘far from the madding crowd’! Robyn’s works adorn the walls of this secluded retreat in both her gallery and home. Garden sculptures with a view!Robyn’s artistic journey spans decades, dating back to when her daughter was born in 1988. Since then, she has been showcasing her creations, evolving her style, and delving into various mediums, including sculpture. Her formative years were spent in London, where she honed her skills in figurative sculpture along with life drawing and painting. It was a period enriched by the vibrant art scene of the city, where Robyn immersed herself in the creative energy pulsating through its streets.Attending art school in Chelsea proved to be a pivotal experience for Robyn, where she says she was fortunate to have remarkable teachers who imparted invaluable knowledge and insights. Their guidance laid the foundation for her artistic prowess, shaping her distinctive style that seamlessly blends different genres and materials, from nudes to landscapes to deeply personal pieces.Teaching stints in Sydney and Los Angeles further enriched Robyn’s artistic journey. However, it was her idyllic retreat in Jamberoo, acquired in 1979, that truly became the canvas for her artistic expression. It was here amidst the tranquil beauty of the countryside that Robyn found inspiration in the lush landscapes and rustic charm, translating them into captivating works of art.Robyn’s artistic repertoire is as diverse as the landscapes that inspire her. From poignant sculptures reflecting the theme of empty nests as her only daughter remained in England, to evocative drawings capturing the essence of the bush charcoal, each piece is imbued with Robyn’s unique vision.One of the distinctive features of Robyn’s art is her meticulous framing technique, inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. Each piece is framed with precision, with intricate grooves lending a touch of sophistication and elegance to her creations. It’s this attention to detail that sets her work apart, elevating it to a realm of timeless beauty.Sculptures and paintings everywhere the eye can seeIn May and June, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Robyn’s world at GLAM, where some of her works will be showcased alongside the revered Lloyd Rees at his exhibition. Then again at Cin Cin’s wine bar where she is displaying her work. It’s a testament to her enduring legacy as an artist and the profound impact of her creations that there is so much public interest.Yet, amidst the accolades and recognition, Robyn remains humble, yet needs another house to showcase her art – or be able to part with some to buyers. As her husband tends to his separate library, Robyn continues to weave her magic, capturing the essence of Foxground’s beauty and the soul of the landscapes that inspire her.

Kiama mural artist Samuel Hall is gaining wide-spread recognition for his most recent mural on the side of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) station in the Southern Highlands town of Hill Top, depicting two of the local brigades longest serving members, Brian Coates and John Matters. Now residing in Corrimal, Hall was commissioned to do the artwork after completing a mural on the regeneration of the area after the horrific bushfires the side of the local general store last year.“These two men are a beacon to the community after a lifetime of dedication to the RFS and both men, who are now in their late 80’s, and with more than 150 years of service between them, went above and beyond to help with their town was threatened by the Wattle Creek blaze,” “As the fire raged, the two men grabbed torches and bravely led the way on foot to allow earthmoving equipment and fire trucks to move through an old track to help build fire breaks from Buxton to Hill Top.” Hall said.According to Sam, the two men were a bit reticient to be part of the project, but in the end were happy to take part. “I met with John and Brian in a local park and we just chatted and I was able to get a few nice candid pics I could use for the project,” he added. The 20-metre-long mural took more than 75 hours to complete and it appears the whole town took special interest in its progress, with many dropping off drinks and food as Sam worked. “In the end it was a very special project and one that is very close to my heart,” Sam said.

The Nowra Quilters Group has set up a market at the old fire station in Kiama. Running from Thursday 8 February until 14 February, the market features a stunning array of handmade items created by talented crafters from the group. Quilts, handbags, tea towels, table runners and coasters are just a selection of the beautiful handcrafted goods on offer. The Nowra Quilters are a very generous group that are involved in many charities and initiatives to help people in the local community. Terri, Jenny and Helene, along with the other group members love to showcase their creations. The crafters make it a point to organise events like this and other markets a few times a year to provide the community with an opportunity to admire and acquire their handcrafted artworks. Jenny’s work will be on display at the Nowra show this weekend and the group often have a set up at the Berry Markets in the Masonic Hall. The market will be open until Valentine’s Day, offering people the chance to find unique gifts for their loved ones while supporting local artistry and giving back to the community. 

An art funding program called Visions of Australia is looking for applicants. With a specific focus on remote and rural areas of the country, the program seeks to increase accessibility of exhibitions of quality Australian art and culture.The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is offering funding to encourage collaboration between museums, galleries and other organisations to create curatorial partnerships, offering mentoring and skills transfer opportunities.  The funding is delivered in two ways; development or touring, designed to subsidise various costs including exhibition design, crating, installation, freighting and artist loan fees.The program is very competitive, with funding opportunities available twice a year, usually in February and September. Eligibility requires organisations to be incorporated with a principal focus on arts and/or cultural heritage. Unincorporated groups that do have an arts/cultural heritage focus are still eligible with a sponsorship from an organisation that meets the criteria. Projects must include a tour with at least three venues outside the applicant's state or territory, including consecutive exhibition dates and at least one regional or remote venue. Tour applications must provide venue confirmation forms, while development applications should include expressions of interest forms from each venue.Visions of Australia  plays a crucial role in fostering cultural inclusivity and collaboration across the Australian arts landscape. Applications open next month, with approximately $2.7 million in funding available each yearFor more information you can visit this website.

Anyone who lives in Hillview Circuit in South Kiama or has driven through is aware of the amazing sculpture garden at the very northern end of the circuit, which is overrun with amazing metal sculptures.The sculptor is Mike Tikkeros and he admits he has run out of space at his home to store the many sculptures he has made.One surprising fact is that the sculptures are surprisingly easy to transport, as Mike has designed the various parts to all click in and out. “You have to think like an engineer,” Mike says.Most parts are scavenged from various places, even unusual pieces of wood he finds in nature.Many are repurposed parts from various pieces of machinery, with over one thousand parts from different machines. The sculptures include all such ideas, mainly from metal. The most striking is the more than two-metre high metal sculpture of the creature from the movie ‘Alien’ in his front garden.The sculptures also include yachts, boats, movie cameras, frogs, aliens, instruments (electric guitar – Van Halen fan), violin, didgeridoo, harp, and many other ideas.There are now more than 300 sculptures in his home. Mike says his lounge room no longer has a lounge because it's been taken over by sculptures, but his wife Kylie is OK with it.

BY Brooke Pittman and Mark WhalanThe Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM) is hosting for the final night a new art exhibition that combines the work of eight artists to showcase the eclectic talents of the local community and landscapes. The final day of the gallery is today,18 January.The eight artists involved in the project are Carolyn Mcdonald, Elizabeth O’Donoghue, Heather Philpott, John Svinos, Kay Dibley, Kerry Suttonberg, Leonie Scott and Sue Blanchfield. The exhibition is a collaborative effort that demonstrates the diverse talents that these artists have to offer, each expressing their own distinctive style and approach to their art.The works feature a diverse range of art mediums such as acrylic paints, screen printing, clay and timber work rendering the collection visually striking and conceptually beautiful. The artists have a demonstrated love for their community and environment, many of which draw inspiration from nature. Depictions of oceans and under the sea scenes, wildlife, sunsets and storms, and plants and flowers are all themes throughout the exhibition. Visitors to the gallery can immerse themselves in the diverse and captivating works of these eight talented artists. The exhibition not only celebrates local artistry but also invites the community to explore the many facets of creativity thriving within Gerringong. You can read more about the individual artists below:Carolyn McDonald paints mainly in acrylics and likes to use a technique using fragments of vibrant colour, making something unique from the everyday. At the moment, her work is mainly focused on plants and flowers, and sometimes life under the sea, which is a special interest of hers.Elizabeth O’Donoghue (Art by Elizods) works with varied media, preferring the ancient technique of hand-building with clay. Elizabeth favours the non-functional over the utilitarian object, although both are represented in her work.Heather Philpott has a deep passion for capturing beautiful ocean moments in acrylic paintings. She loves to explore the wondrous, refreshing aquamarines of the ocean’s waters, greys of a stormy day, the secret gold and pinks of dawn, the soft hues of dusk and the incredible creatures of the underwater world.“I love the ocean, especially the shoreline, that part that people experience near the land, and whales further offshore,” Heather told The Bugle.“I love to paint beautiful clean moments that can become mementoes or memories, even the sense of a breath being taken in the moment. Sometimes I take a photo and transfer that same joy to the canvas. I have joy in my work and I want the viewer to have that transfer of joy.”John Svinos creates handcrafted pieces from repurposed timber that people feel they can connect with - everyday items that serve a function. Each object is a reflection of the artist, a practical object that showcases the authenticity of the selected timbers.Kay Dibley has loved art all her life and has found soft pastel to be a great medium to work with. She is very inspired by our beautiful area, where she has lived most of her life. Kay also loves using wildlife as subjects for her drawing.“These include sugar gliders and landscapes, a landscape sold recently of Rose Valley to a descendant of the Millers who grew up in the valley,” Kay told The Bugle. “I see art as a way to create joy in the process of painting and the joy someone then gets from viewing the art"Kerry Suttonberg paints in a variety of media and her subject matter changes continuously. She enjoys various printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography, lino printing and collagraphs. Living so close to the beach, Kerry is often drawn to painting her local environment. After a career in art teaching, she enjoys spending time creating in her studio.“I'm a former art teacher at Bomaderry and Kiama and work in studio prints and on collage based artworks. I love trying new themes and techniques and new materials,” Kerry said.She plays with abstractions often in a series and related to places, with each picture having one additional abstract progression, and then having fun with the abstraction of the realism. “In one piece, I am trying to give the feeling of people on the beach and get that feeling of a hot hot day when the cooling wind suddenly arrives.”Sue Blanchfield has a multimedia arts practice of printmaking, painting, surface design and textiles that interrogates post-colonial response to the Australian landscape.Leonie Scott's work is non-subjective or abstract. The process of painting has very little planning, it all happens in the moment. The work is a subconscious play of impulses and intuitions that come with the process of doing. Leonie throws out a challenge to the viewer to grasp their own interpretation.“Currently, my art is three-dimensional collages, where the viewer puts their own interpretations on the art, they respond based on their life experiences or their own experiences.“The three-dimensional collage is for myself and I like to experiment and be intuitive without planning. Guided by intuition, sometimes I deconstruct part of a collage, and my process is a meditative thing and as I create, especially after a bad day, I throw a bit of paint around and in my happy place and hopefully the viewer gets access to that happy place.”Leonie said “The exhibition has been a success and we will be back.”

For a delightful and creative gift, I had the exciting idea of treating my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to an engaging hands-on experience. After some research, I settled on attending the Saturday Soul workshop at Soul Clay Studios.Zeynep, the proprietor of Soul Clay Studios and a former English teacher, graciously accommodated our last-minute request, making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the day.The workshop kicked off with a comprehensive demonstration and tutorial led by Adrian, focusing on the art of pottery wheel throwing. Adrian guided us through the initial steps of placing clay on the wheel, emphasising the importance of precision. I quickly learned that aligning the clay with the centre of the wheel was more challenging than anticipated, but Adrian's assistance made the process smoother.The hands-on experience of moulding the clay into various shapes was undeniably enjoyable. Witnessing the clay respond to my creative touch, taking shape under my hands, added a fascinating dimension to the artistic process.Participants were encouraged to let their creativity run wild, and while many started with simple bowl-like shapes, my mother-in-law surprised everyone by skillfully crafting a near-perfect plate. Adrian explained that making plates is typically reserved for advanced potters, making her accomplishment even more impressive.A well-deserved break came in the form of morning tea, featuring Marcus, Zeynep's husband and fellow studio worker, treating us to his award-winning white chocolate and raspberry muffins. As we indulged in these delectable treats, the studio team continued their pottery-throwing process.By the end of the workshop, each of us had crafted three to five pieces, though not all survived the journey to the kiln. Nonetheless, we were thrilled with the three completed pieces per person, a testament to the enjoyable and educational experience.Engaging in pottery at Soul Clay Studios was not only a fun gift but also an opportunity to delve into the artistry of pottery, making us feel like professional potters, if only for a few totally engaging hours.

Fern Street Gallery in Gerringong has an exciting schedule of upcoming exhibitions coming up in the first few months of 2024. Resident artist Carmel McCarney starts off the new year with her exhibition A Summer by the Sea which runs from 8-14 January. The collection is a demonstration of McCarney’s passion for coastal life and was inspired by a recent holiday in Europe. She portrays moments under the sun and languid holiday getaways in her signature soft palette.  The exhibition has already garnered interest and the front window piece has already been secured by a collector. You can meet McCarney in person over the next week at the gallery during opening hours 10-4pm daily.Several other resident artists are included in the coming lineup: Kerry Bruce,  Jon Harris, Vanessa Anderson, Andrew McPhail, Alisa Beak, and Jennifer Luck. Following McCarney’s exhibition My Secret Garden by Kerry Bruce will be held on 15-21 January, with three new ones to follow until the end of February.The gallery has an existing lineup of exhibitions curated by resident artists, set to unfold in the upcoming months. The gallery is actively seeking to incorporate new exhibitions into their calendar for the months of May, June, and August.You can head to the Fern Gallery Website to register your interest to exhibit,  shop available artworks and access the exhibition schedule on the Fern Street Gallery website.

Mikey Freedom brings a new, transformative art exhibition to Seven Marks Gallery in Kiama next month with Sunbather. The exhibition will be on display from 10 February to 23 March. Freedom navigates the balance of line, colour and shape, unravelling personal meanings within his compositions. Each piece depicts a ‘hopeful tide of future restful days against the contrast of our times.’ Freedom uses celebratory moments and weighty symbolism, leaving his work open for individual interpretation.  The deeper narrative is intertwined with visions of lazy play, aimless pursuits and the resounding nature of summer. Visit the website to see other scheduled exhibitions at Seven Marks Gallery.