Local artists shine in nature exhibition

Local artists and photographers turned out to showcase their work on opening day, July 4, drawing an enthusiastic response from the community.

“They're of course all talented local people, which is wonderful to have,” Veronica Groat from Strathallan Glider Sanctuary said.

“I'm not particularly a painter, but to think that someone appreciates your work and there's a place you can put it up and people come and have a look must be wonderful.”

Mrs Groat said many first-time visitors came through the doors on opening day — people who had walked past the gallery on numerous occasions before finally stepping inside.

Mrs Groat said visitors were genuinely surprised to learn just how many different species in the region were under threat.

“That's why we put this together, to get people to come in and show them all the various animals that are at risk,’’ she said.

Some artworks had already been sold, but would remain in the gallery until the end of the exhibition in September.

“On the very first day there was a thrill when a photograph of a lovely plant was sold,” Mrs Groat said.

“She (the artist) was thrilled, and we had some sales again on Saturday. It’s great to know people are taking an interest.”

Ms Groat said the exhibition was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of local artists and photographers from across the region.

One of the standout displays features a stunning series of bird photographs — all captured right in the backyard of a Rochester home.

“Some people have said you wouldn't find those birds locally, but they were all photographed in Rochester,” she said.

Ms Groat had been particularly impressed by the bird photography, with some images capturing birds so sharply they appeared to be flying off the page.

She said the exhibition also featured insects, flowers and a range of other nature-inspired works, and encouraged community members to come along and experience the display for themselves.

Mrs Groat praised gallery owners Veronica Lane and her husband for the thoughtful and inviting way they had arranged the works throughout the space.

“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see beautiful artwork of animals that may not be with us much longer,” she said.

Mrs Groat said the changing natural environment highlighted the importance of recognising and protecting the world around us.

“These little guys are really battling, and it's a chance to have a look,” she said.

“At some stage, these people might be able to put their hand up for a bird and sign a petition or something that stops somebody cutting a tree down that's the habitat for these creatures.”

“That's what we've all got to think about. What can we do in our own way, and this is what we're doing in our little way,” Mrs Groat.

“Everybody can contribute in some way.”

The Nature at Risk exhibition is open at Alton Gallery, Echuca, every Friday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm throughout July, August and September.