By Abbey Cannan
Local and regional artists over the age of seventy are coming together to showcase their creativity and to express their concept and vision in the art medium of their choosing.
The art exhibition titled “Art After 70” is a coalition of artists over 70 years of age, which will be on show at the Butter Factory in Cooroy from 11 September to 13 October.
Event organiser Wendy Catlin said there was a wealth of creativity among the third age population in the area and this creativity deserves to be exhibited. “This exhibition offers participants an opportunity to show their art work to a greater audience and gain more exposure. It is an opportunity to show the community that the creative journey does not stop with age,” she said.
“The quality of artists in this exhibition is high with several award winning participants as well as established and emerging artists.”
Various disciplines will be represented including painting, mixed media, ceramics, glass, photography, fabric art.
Ms Catlin said many artists are isolated, particularly artists of the third age.
“For many it is a challenge to get out and meet others of similar age and interest. There are very few outlets to show their work as many of the artists do not have the opportunity to show in commercial galleries or
lack the income to promote themselves,” she said.
“I feel the community will be affected by learning and understanding that just because you are old does not mean you do not create, participate and care.
“Many people want to be artists their whole life, but to do have the time or opportunity to be creative due to work, family and other events. So after all is done, around age 60 + people are able to realise their dream to practice and make art.”
Ms Catlin said older people do not get the opportunity to share what they accomplish with others.
“This event provides Third Age creatives to participate by sharing their work with other artists of all ages,” she said.
“It provides an opportunity to participate in a creatives social network possibly making new contacts and friend.
“I hope the visitors to the exhibition will enjoy seeing that people over 70 years are still very active and contributing to the community.
“I hope people of any age are inspired to start creative projects on their own.”
Cooroy Future Group president Carol Watkins will be featuring her art in the upcoming exhibition.
“All artists welcome the opportunity to put their creative works out there, and a group exhibitions is much less daunting than a solo one,” she said.
“I have come to know many of the artists participating in this exhibition and look forward to being able to share our works.”
Ms Watkins said she took up the art of ceramics 15 years ago before she retied.
“As I’d had a full on career, owning my own business for the last 13 years of my career, I had no outside distractions and a friend suggested pottery,” she said.
“I think the opportunity for group exhibitions is the bonus here as the diversity of works on show is always exciting.
“The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is a community arts centre and loves to work with our community, supporting local artists. The range of exhibitions on show at the BFAC is very exciting, inclusive and varied.”
