By Parker McKenzie
Selby Community house will be launching a new botanical art exhibition featuring the works of artist Susie Parry and her students.
The exhibition, which has been funded through Yarra Ranges Council, will run from 8 March to 4 April and will launch with a high tea from 12pm until 1pm.
Ms Parry said art is a form of expression for people like her students.
“The arts aren’t always supported in this country, so this is really a big step for to have this exhibition funded,” she said.
“Particularly during this period where it’s quite anxiety provoking with Covid, it’s really important to be able to express yourself, you know, whether that’s with the color or objects you choose to paint or draw,
“The students ave come to learn a skill and some have come to communicate with others.”
Selby Community House manager Anna Reid said the artists have a lot of nervous excitement about what is a first ever exhibition for many of them.
“I’ve seen their work and it’s phenomenal, so they’re modest and totally unaware of how talented of a group of women they are,” she said.
“With Susie Perry, who’s a very established painter, their work is incredible. She’ll have her own exhibition in the foyer, and then in the actual lounge will be the students work.”
All proceeds from sales will go to the artists, with the exhibition being fully funded at no cost or commission. Artspace Selby handled the marketing and promotion for the vent at no cost as well.
Ms Reid said the exhibition is the first in a series of exhibitions being rolled out at the Community house in 2022.
“We really want to focus on different demographics of people who have had some kind of trouble with connecting, there are a lot of lonely people in our community.”
“This is an opportunity for our beautiful community to celebrate the local artists that we have, but also to celebrate our community and try and bring everybody together after such a difficult few years.”
Selby Community House is located at 2/1 Minak Rd, Selby. The exhibition is funded by the Yarra Ranges Council Grants for Community; Arts and Heritage program. Artspace Selby is an artist program, supporting artists effected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
