A Bowen-based group of art enthusiasts are eagerly preparing for their next exhibition at the Community Hall on the corner of William and Leichardt Streets next weekend.
The Bowen Art society has been collating its collection of local paintings for the last year, much of which was painted at their studio in Archer Street.
This year will be the society’s 61st exhibition.
Over three days from July 31 to August 2, the exhibition will be judged by artist Rosemary Payne, a local who studied at the Birmingham College of Art and the Southampton University in the U.K.
Ms Payne has taught at Mackay Tafe, and is currently teaching at Art Space Mackay. She has won numerous awards and prizes for her painting and teaching skills.
President of Bowen Art Society, Margaret Gaul, said the group has been steadily planning the event for the past month, as well as creating the artwork for display.
“The studio is always packed this time of year with our southern members coming up; it’s such a beautiful place to paint,” Ms Gaul said.
“We’re quite spoilt for wonderful artists here in Bowen and the exhibition reflects that. We’ve been dithering away getting it all prepared and we’re quite excited – this will be my first exhibition as President.”
Ms Gaul said the Society’s Secretary, Judith Potts, was in charge of the exhibition this year, and that there was an excellent range of water colours, pastels, oils and acrylics being displayed at the event.
“It will be quite the show,” she said.
The Society meets every Wednesday at their studio on Archer Street, a building that has almost as much of a storied history as the group itself.
Once the first Queens Beech State School, the old, wooden building has now become home to Bowen artists.
“We’re very lucky to have a building like this, and I think all of the Society’s members know that,” Ms Gaul said.
“That, combined with our artists, is why this group produces some incredible work. To watch them progress during the year is something very magical.”
At the Society’s exhibition in late July, artwork will be sold, as well as prizes and awards distributed to some of Bowen’s creative crop.
Ms Gaul said if anyone would like to join the Bowen Art Society, they should enquire at their premises at 18 Archer Street on Wednesdays when they host studio sessions.
When: Saturday, July 30 3.00pm to Tuesday, August 2 9.00am to 4.00pm
What: Bowen Art Society Annual Exhibition
Where: Community Hall,
Tickets: $10 on Saturday, Free on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Bowen Art Society President Margaret Gaul and Secretary Judith Potts at the society’s studio in Archer Street. Images: Declan Durrant
The society will be displaying work from artists based in Bowen as well as interstate
