Benalla Art Gallery is proud to present Andrew Bond: A Few Good People I Know, a new exhibition celebrating the quiet strength and generosity of community through the art of portraiture.
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Andrew Bond, a Ruffy-based artist, began his career in graphic design after graduating from Swinburne Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts in 1983.
His early career included roles with Penguin Books, McCann Erickson Advertising and Russell Bevers Design Studio, before moving into freelance design across corporate identities, packaging, illustration and book design.
After relocating to Ruffy in 2010, Bond’s creative focus expanded.
While tending to gardens professionally, his artwork shifted from landscapes and botanical subjects towards portraiture — a practice that became his primary artistic pursuit from 2020.
He has since refined his craft through workshops with renowned artists, including Archibald Prize winner Peter Wegner, and now shares his knowledge through teaching.
A Few Good People I Know is the culmination of this journey.
The exhibition showcases study drawings and resolved paintings, reflecting Bond’s interest in the process of portraiture as much as the finished result.
Francis, 2024 by Andrew Bond.
The series honours individuals whose personal contributions and community spirit often go unrecognised, while also inviting audiences to reflect on the people who enrich their own lives.
Bond said he was fascinated with portraiture.
“It’s always a buzz when likeness appears, capturing that fleeting moment,” he said.
“Sometimes it can be a slow and detailed process, other times it all falls into place quickly.”
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the exhibition was not to be missed.
“(It’s) recognition of Andrew’s dedication to his practice, and a way to amplify the positive community message within his work,” he said.
A Few Good People I Know is on display at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre, 14 Mair St, until January 28.
It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and on weekends and public holidays from 10am to 2pm. It will be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
