Solo exhibition spans years and continents

One of the founding members of the Narrogin Art Group and Nexis Gallery, Susan Riley, is set to open her first stand-alone exhibition this Saturday.

“From Norfolk to Narrogin” is a collection of work from throughout Mrs Riley’s long and decorated career, which has included pieces being displayed in exhibitions including Army Art, Royal Perth Agricultural Society, Wagin Woolarama and Rotary.

“(Been an artist) all my life, and here I am at 81 years of age having my first solo exhibition, it is very exciting,” she said.

“I’ve done that because Art Space have been so helpful.

“I’ve got quite a lot of work from over the years, but I’ve been flat out since Christmas.”

Mrs Riley settled in Narrogin in 1964, before the birth of her first child, after emigrating to Australia from Norfolk in the United Kingdom, via the £10 passage scheme.

“Since then I’ve done quite a lot of art, not all the time. It’s hard to paint when your children are small because they want to join in.

“I really started out, seriously, in 1979 when Pat Negus took me to a water colour workshop in Williams.

“I feel immensely grateful to have been part of the vibrant art community of Narrogin and for all the support and encouragement.”

From Norfolk to Narrogin begins at Nexis on Saturday, August 4, and runs until Sunday, August 26.