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Local women gathered at Barrel Room Deli Nook to celebrate 16 women and their stories through Alyce Holzy’s ‘Women Over 40’ Portrait Project Exhibition. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
On Friday 11th September, women from all walks of life gathered at the Barrel Room Deli Nook to take part in the ‘Women Over 40’ Portrait Project Exhibition, where stories and smile lines were captured and framed in celebration of the lives and stories of 16 women over 40.
Behind the art was Alyce Holzy, owner of Holzy Photography and Boudoir By Alyce.
The idea stemmed from Alyce’s passion for portraits which she says was inspired by the photographs on the walls of her Nan’s house, as well as the recent milestone of turning 40 herself.
On the night of the event, Alyce stood by the entryway admiring all the women she had photographed, now gathered together in one space and staring at their pictures framed on the wall.
With tears in her eyes, she expressed her immense gratitude and honour for the women who had been part of her special project.
“Now that it’s all here, I’m pretty emotional watching everyone’s reactions.”
“It’s just lovely to see everyone supporting one another.”
“There’s laughter, there’s joy, and I can see there’s some realisation of the amount of work that’s gone into this project … I’m still pinching myself that all of this has come together, and here we are celebrating these incredible women and the stories they bring with them.”
“I’m really proud of this project, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out.”
Throughout the project, women were pampered, photographed and professionally framed, with each participant also given the opportunity to share her story.
A coffee-table-style book was created featuring the women and their stories, with each participant gifted a copy at the special exhibition and gala.
Alyce said the project has become close to her heart, filled with moments of connection, laughter and emotion.
“I’ve had laughs with some of the women, even belly laughs!”
“I’ve also shed tears with some of the women – it’s truly been a touching experience.”
The project also proudly supported The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, with the 40 Over 40 Portrait Project donating $1,600 to the organisation.
Alyce also acknowledged the local businesses, organisations and community members who helped bring the project to life, thanking Funk It Up Mackay, Atkins Lab, Barrel Room by Plattered Up/The Deli Nook, Soleil Coastal, Nancy’s Gym, Ella Bache Mackay, Laffos, Hotel Mackay, Laffos Cookies, The Avenue, Hairway Mackay and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, as well as the many unsung heroes who advocated for the 40 Over 40 Project.
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