Up to 200 people attended at The Arts Centre Cootamundra on November 8 as TACC opened its doors for a day of Art Exhibition, performances, art demonstrations and a Maker’s Market.
Themed a ‘Snapshot of Creativity’, the day highlighted visual and performing arts in various forms and it was a fantastic opportunity to feature and celebrate some amazing local talent.
Active member and artist of TACC Graham Cossey said it was a celebration of talented artists in Cootamundra.
“As I was putting the list of exhibitors together, I realised what an extraordinary group of established talented artists we have living in the Cootamundra area,” he said.
For many weeks, Graham along with artists Bev Moxon and Lyn Angus worked tirelessly behind the scenes to pull together the exhibition.
On that Sunday the exhibition featured 10 established artists who all live in the Cootamundra region and visitors were treated to a variety of art mediums.
This included textile art, prints, calligraphy, pottery, quilts, painting, drawing, collage and photography.
The Tin Shed Theatre came to life with several performances throughout the day including music, movement, drama and poetry.
Visitors were also entertained by the talented children from Christine Edwards School of Dance and Christine Wishart Dance Studio who performed a variety of fun and skilful routines from ballet to hip hop.
Hans Bruitzman’s Ukulele Group demonstrated how much fun there can be with the intriguing little instrument and a big heart.
Members of the Tin Shed Theatre Drama Group led by Eric Stienke performed a challenging drama piece, showcasing the different ways the same words can be interpreted, thereby changing meaning and character portrayal.
The TACC Poetry group led by Richard White gave renditions of a wide variety of known works that inspire, with some members reciting their own work.
In the Visual Arts Studio visitors could observe some of the talented artists at work.
Merrilyn Pickford was using eco dyeing techniques to create unique scarves, Alex Marley was creating unique prints with paint and lino. Dotti le Sage was demonstrating the versatility of print making and Lyn Cameron was encouraging fun with clay.
Annabel Marley along with Rebecca Sargent were creating glass art and Kim Medcalf, Fiona Everley and Diane Grocott were spinning and displaying their knitted, hand dyed, woven and crocheted works.
Out in the fresh air were the Makers Markets coordinated by Richard Turnbull which featured all handmade, unique items made by locals ranging from jewellery, glassware, pottery, angora wool products and more.
Visitors were also able to enjoy delicious woodfired pizza made by volunteers Stephen and Kim Flaws, and coffee by Dusty Road.
All of the displays, performances and demonstrations were only possible because of the enthusiasm and skills of so many talented and generous volunteers.
TACC committee member Isabel Scott said Cootamundra is an exceptionally rich and diverse creative industries hub and it’s in the community’s hands for it to grow.
“I encourage the whole community to recognise the value of arts and to take advantage of the opportunities available in our community,” she said.
If you have any ideas about workshops, performances or other activities you would like to see at TACC, please email info@theartscentrecootamundra.org.au
Christopher Tan