Community
26 July, 2024
Collective celebrates exhibition success
A WEEKEND of wet and windy weather did not dampen the spirits at the annual Old Bookaar School art exhibition ‘Corangamite Under the Microscope’, which artists claimed was the “best year yet”.
Over 200 people passed through the doors of the old school last weekend for the annual exhibition.
Artist Isha Paasse said the reception of the exhibition was “amazing” despite the poor weather.
“Because of the rain, we thought “we’re not going to do well”, but it was one of the best years yet,” she said.
“We had over 200 people – on Sunday there were heaps more people.
“We sold a lot of art – it far exceeded our expectations.
“The community was the most outstanding we’ve ever had.”
The exhibition was officially opened on the Saturday, with Corangamite Shire Council mayor Kate Makin joining artist Jan Barnes in the ceremony.
Ms Paasse said the ceremony was “great”.
“Our mayor Kate did a lovely job,” she said.
“The room was crowded. We had a packed house, considering it was raining while that was happening.
“It’s probably our best year yet in regard to feedback from the community, and the amount of conversations we had was unreal.
“The amount of people that just kept really praising what we do and how we create art about Corangamite, and the stories we create behind the art.”
The collective – consisting of Ms Barnes, Ms Paasse, Lydia Green, Sue Hollingsworth, Joan Mahony and Judy Armstrong – mingled with attendees following the opening, enjoying conversations over complementary champagne, nibbles and warm drinks to fight off the chill.
A raffle of art supplies and nibbles was also held over the weekend, with Mary Harris and Dennis Bant taking home the prizes.
Ms Paasse said the Corangamite Creatives collective were “over the moon” with the response from the community.
“Everyone keeps saying “you make us feel so welcome and we can sit down” – most art exhibitions, you can’t sit down,” she said.
“We make our exhibition for the audience – it’s not for us, it’s for the audience - and it works, and people kept saying it.”
