Jim Fagan
It’s been three years since Tinbeerwah Art Group artists have been able to have a gala opening for their annual display of their work and organiser Jan Cooke is convinced their art show, which opens on Friday 16 September, will be the finest since the group first set up their easels in 1994.
Jan, who has been organising the show for the last eight years said, “Covid put a stop to having a gala opening for our exhibition but now I can say such is our members’ enthusiasm, the show will not only be the best but, with more than 100 paintings, the biggest.”
She said funds raised from artists’ donations, a raffle and a gold coin entry fee would be donated to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice in memory of group founder Gwen Blair who died at the hospice in 2013.
“Gwen wanted to join an art group but she couldn’t find one so she started her own 28 years ago, making it one of the longest established art groups on the Sunshine Coast.
“We have been meeting at Tinbeerwah Hall ever since. The group has grown from a few friends meeting on a Thursday morning to a membership of over 50 local artists who paint in two groups on Thursday and Friday mornings.
“This year we have been fortunate to have award-winning guest tutors Helen Lawson, Fiona Groome, Dale Leach, Pam Miller, Clare Riddington-Jones,and Lizzie Connor.
“They have encouraged members to try new techniques and develop their skills in different mediums. Our work may be seen on the Tinbeerwah Art Group Facebook page.”
Jan said many of the members were seniors.
“It is amazing how many who join our group had either never painted since childhood or had forgotten how much they enjoyed painting.”
Classes are held on Thursday and Friday mornings 9am-noon in school term times at Tinbeerwah Hall on the corner of Sunrise and Noosa-Cooroy roads.
“We encourage artists of all abilities,” Jan said.
“Our members range from complete beginners to award winning artists.
“Our aim is to paint in a pleasant, creative and supportive environment. Members pay an annual fee and a weekly fee for each class they attend.”
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie will open the show at the gala opening on Friday 16 September. The show closes on Sunday 18 September.
Opening times, Friday 16 September, noon-5pm, gala opening 5.30pm. Saturday 17 September, 9am – 4.30pm, Sunday 18 September, 9.30am – 3pm.
Further information, contact: Jan Cooke on 5473 0235, or email cookeandbutler@aapt.net.au
