By Sarah Hunter
Regional community events are, by definition, personal. They’re held where people live; run by the people who live there. They celebrate the unique, the beloved and those local elements that few others get to see. The risks are manifold and the volunteer resources sometimes lean, but the rewards of new experiences and serendipitous connections are sublime.
In its fifth year the Newbridge Art Show – and the Spring into Art festival which surrounds it – is expanding into a whole five days of art and music and community. To ensure as many of the community who want to view it are able to do so, the artworks will be hung earlier in the week this year. This will accommodate an accessible viewing day on Wednesday, October 14 by appointment, for those who need some extra time or space to appreciate the show.
By popular demand, the workshop program has also expanded and carries the strong theme of authenticity.
On Thursday October 15 artist David Isbester from Canowindra will run the first of his two day-long plein air painting workshops in the Barry Community Hall. David is well known for his works, which distill the beauty of the Australian landscape captured with the deft speed that painting directly from life demands.
The photography workshops begin on Saturday, October 17 in the restored Newbridge Schoolhouse. Tutor Martin Ryan leads the first one in portrait photography, drawing on his decades of experience and his philosophy that “a portrait is a lifetime captured in a moment.” In a gentle act of reciprocity, musicians performing on the day will also act as portrait models for the workshop students.
On Sunday, October 18 – also in the Newbridge Schoolhouse – Carolyn Hide will lead a beginner photography workshop, sharing with keen newcomers her own real-life approach to visual storytelling. Carolyn has been both a judge and the event photographer for Spring into Art several times. Her works document both the breadth of narrative and the emotional layers of an image. For beginners keen to learn the basics, Carolyn brings a gentle and supportive dimension to her consummate expertise.
Of course, the hero of the event is the Newbridge Art Show and its opening night will be a cracker! Starting at the Newbridge Showground’s Brian Bennett Pavillion and Showground Hall, patrons will browse hundreds of artworks – all of them for sale – and celebrate the diverse creative talents of the Central West region and far beyond. The opening night always generates a cheerful, energetic buzz as people meet up, choose their favourite artworks and enjoy the spring evening.
Immediately after this, it will be time to hop on the shuttle bus for those lucky concert-goers heading to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament for another night to remember with Simon Tedeschi, George Washingmachine and Clare O’Meara performing The Great American Songbook. Those who attended last year were resoundingly positive about the performance, the historic venue and the general air of exuberance as they boarded the bus for what was truly a magical mystery tour.
In a special gesture to local musicians, George Washingmachine and Clare O’Meara will run a workshop the following morning on “Concepts of Stagecraft”, also in the church.
A host of other free musical performances are planned for Saturday and Sunday in the village of Newbridge. Sunday sees the Orange Regional Conservatorium’s Big Phatt Jazz Band once again playing up a storm at The Gladstone Hotel – perfect for a lunchtime get-together with friends.
Although Spring into Art is not until October, workshop tickets are on sale now and, with a limit of twelve people for each, you don’t want to miss out. Bookings for the art and photography workshops can be made at www.newbridgeartshow.com. To arrange a viewing time on Wednesday, contact the organisers through the art show website or by email to ms.sarah.hunter@outlook.com.
And artists, get your entries in! Don’t leave it to the last minute, because that’s stressful for everyone. Art show entry forms can also be found at www.newbridgeartshow.com.
Every year the village businesses look forward to showcasing what they love doing and what they’re best at doing, with the vibrancy of creative arts all around. In a world where reality can be pervasively distorted, the authenticity and joy of Spring into Art at Newbridge is a refreshing antidote which everyone should experience for themselves.
Image: Prepare for another roof-raising opening night show. © Carolyn Hide.
