Picture: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD
THOUSANDS of locals and visitors flocked to the Millicent Gallery last month in celebration of this year’s Wattle Range Art Show.
The exhibition captured the diversity of the region and featured over 190 pieces from visual and textile artists, sculptors and ceramicists across the Wattle Range and through to Adelaide, Mannum and Western Victoria.
Wattle Range Council libraries and cultural services manager Janice Nitschke said the artwork entered was “absolutely outstanding”.
“Many people have said it is the best we have had,” she said.
“I think what was really important to have a look at was not only the diversity, but the artists returning to exhibit and the development of some of the artists –
that has been exciting.”
Local award-winning artist Marg Hage served as the gallery’s artist in residence during the exhibition and shared her skills and knowledge with those interested.
The art show also featured on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, a national platform for digital tourism and drew people from as far as Terang, Sydney, Hamilton and Adelaide.
“It was really good to listen to them talk about the quality of the artwork,” Ms Nitschke said.
“I think we need to remember it is a community gallery first of all and it does not attract the $10,000 or $20,000 art prize.
“At the same time comment was made we have some outstanding artists exhibiting.
“We kept that community spirit as well so people did not feel inhibited and did not feel as though they could not exhibit.
“That is one thing they liked about it – there was good quality and at the same time they could see some artists perhaps exhibited for the first time or have gradually improved and were still there exhibiting.
“I do not want to lose that, but at the same time I would like to build on those artists who are very good – to have that mix.
“It is important for Millicent because it enables people from across the Wattle Range to come and have a look at that variance in the artistic abilities and capabilities.”
Ms Nitschke counted well over 3000 comments in the visitor book since the exhibition was unveiled a month ago.
The opening night attracted over 100 people to the gallery including the artists and their friends and family, as well as interested community members.
“I just look at the exhibition and think ‘wow this is so good for Millicent’ and that is what I keep thinking every time I go in there,” Ms Nitschke said.
“Theres has not been a Sunday that has gone by where we have not had a number of tourists plus some locals drop by.
“It’s been a great experience and all due respect to our volunteers who come and open up on Sunday and Peter Dunn and his group who helped hang the exhibition, which was no small feat.”
The Wattle Range Art Show wrapped up early last week and planning had already started for next year’s event.
