Eumundi Voice - Issue 87, 22 February 2024

ART ABOUT

Readers on fire

It seems that as we spend more time in a virtual world the longing for connection is growing in our community. A chance conversation with a friend and owner of the Eumundi business Wildfire Fitness prompted local relationship coach and author Lisa Jayne to see if anyone else is feeling the need for greater connection. After posting on two local FB pages to gauge interest in a book club or writing group, Lisa has been swamped with enthusiasts.

Just a few weeks later the Eumundi Connection Hub FB page has almost 200 followers. A book club called Readers on Fire has started with the first book Paradiso by Steve Capelin. Inspired by the author’s wildly adventurous Italian ancestors who arrived in Australia via New Guinea as refugees in 1881, Paradiso has spent nine weeks on the best seller list at Avid Reader. Organisers have arranged for Steve to attend a book club meet-up at 10.30am on 23 February. Steve has worked as a performer, director, playwright, teacher and arts project manager and is keen to share the background of his story and his writing journey, answering readers' questions. All are welcome at The Pavilion,

Eumundi where you can grab morning tea at Wildfire Fitness, learn a little more about Steve’s wild and courageous ancestors and enjoy our little community.

A self-help book club and a writing group is also underway, with talk of an amateur theatre group and a parenting symposium. “It seems our local community is keen for more of the real stuff,” said Lisa.

For information or if you have a great idea for connection visit the Eumundi Connection Hub on FB or email: lisa@lisajayne.me.

Art exhibitions Pomona

Pomona artist Glen Buckley is teaming-up with friend and first-time exhibitor Gabe Makeig to present the exhibition Stylised Abstraction at Pomona Gallery. All of Glen’s works are stylised drawings of roses on paper using pen, ink and watercolours. Gabe uses acrylic paint and says she loves energetic art that makes her feel a connection to a painting. The exhibition will run from 2 to 27 March at the Banana Shed.

Ellenie Kirkman is a talented 17yo Yr 12 student who will exhibit her work in Gifts from Artemis’ Table from 2 March to 3 April at The Carriage Room. Ellenie is the gallery’s youngest member, studies with Sunshine Coast’s internationally acclaimed artist Karen Osborne and is planning to study at an art school in Italy.

Art prize entries closing soon

Artists – including emerging artists under 18yo –have until 8 March to submit entries for the 2024

Seeing the Soul Hoofbeats Sanctuary Art Prize and Exhibition in support of mental health. The theme for entries is Seeing the Soul: The HumanAnimal Connection.

Entrants will compete for a major prize of $2,500, runner-up prize of $1,500, highly commended prize of $1,500, people’s choice prize of $500 and under-18 emerging artist prize of $500.

"Subjects can be any animal – domestic, native or wild – as long it is without restraints of any kind. Works can also include people,” said Hoofbeats Sanctuary CEO Barb Blashki. "We invite entries

The art prize and exhibition is a major fundraising initiative to support and promote the Sanctuary’s work by celebrating and showcasing art. “Located at Doonan, Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a grass-roots mental health charity that supports women and girls impacted by trauma,” said Barb. “Our mission is to improve mental health through evidence-based, traumafocused, animal-assisted and nature-guided programs.”

“Our community is currently facing a mental health crisis with 75% of Australians exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime and 55% of Australian women currently experiencing some level of mental health issues. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the second most common mental health condition.

“The Sanctuary is home to a herd of ten horses and ponies most of which have experienced big life stressors in their own lives, making them the perfect teachers,” she said.

The exhibition will be held at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre from 12 April to 12 May. Artworks will be for sale at: t.ly/PQQQD.