Varied exhibition at NEXIS for Narrogin Art Group’s 60th anniversary showcases art of members past and present

It’s almost time for the Narrogin Art Group to wrap up the pots, fold the fabrics and take down the pictures at its 60th anniversary exhibition, which has been a huge undertaking — as well as a super success.

Some 85 people attended the opening on July 4 and anyone who pops into NEXIS, next door to the Narrogin Town Hall, has until July 25 to see the display of works produced by members past and present.

For art group president Di Farmer, the exhibition has been a labour of love.

“It has been going really well,” she said.

“There were 85 people at the opening and steady numbers since.

“It has been a big learning curve for me because I hadn’t done this before — getting up and down ladders to hang the paintings was quite an undertaking — but the committee has been brilliant, and all the feedback has been that it has been a very professional exhibition.

“Those comments that we’ve received make it all worthwhile.”

She said the “wow” room was an off-shoot of the main space containing a retrospective of the works of original members and also the set of six posters which detail the group’s activities through the decades.

Commissioned especially for the opening was a video which celebrated the group’s 60 years and interviewed founder members and former presidents, among others, who reflected on the spirit of the organisation.

The exhibition was opened by founding member Sue Riley while some of its older members were also showing works.

Ms Farmer said among those exhibiting were Myrtle Halstead, 96, and Evelyn White, 91.

“Myrtle makes these lovely hanging designs and they all sold for $50 each,” she said.

“She told me she couldn’t fall off the perch yet, she still has too much to do!”

The group was established in 1966 by artist and mentor Joy Rich, and used borrowed rooms in homes and community halls, before purchasing the Elliot Street building which remains the group’s headquarters.