THE Valla Beach Community Hall was packed to capacity on Friday, 26 September for the opening night of the “Art of Nature” exhibition.
Fairy lights outside created a festival atmosphere as attendees chatted and mingled, before a warm Welcome to Country was conducted by Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Gary Williams.
Group leader Heather Rose and the Valla Beach Good Vibes Acapella singing group performed their song ‘Happiness’, which has been played on ABC Radio National and was written by group members.
The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach also performed some of their original songs, which called on listeners to love and protect wildlife.
On Saturday, locals and tourists alike perused the exhibition in good numbers.
A relaxing session of meditation and music, infused with Gumbaynnggir language, was led by Ilka Schroeder, while Gregory Coates provided a fascinating glimpse into the techniques and inspiration of a professional painter with his demonstration in the evening.
Bellingen Environment Centre President Cath Eaglesham, from Thora, said, “It was a pleasure to attend the opening night of ‘Art of Nature’, hosted by the dedicated members of Forest Ecology Alliance, where Mary Forbes’ exquisite oil paintings were exhibited for the first time.
“I was impressed by John Bennett’s evocative film and the gorgeous rock art of Rex Sharkey.”
Other attendees were equally engaged.
Liz Henderson from Valla Beach said the opening of the exhibition “had it all”.
“Beautiful art, delicious refreshments and entertainment plus informative talks from conservationists and artists,” she said.
Bundagen’s Jill Everett said the exhibition was a “wonderful reminder of how important art and community are for protecting and acknowledging the value of our environment”.
“The standard of the art work was very high and the community effort and camaraderie was commendable,” Jill said.
Valla Beach local Georgette Allen said the event was “uplifting and fabulous for community awareness raising”.
She also described the arts of art and crafts on show as being of a “wonderful standard”.
Organiser Judith Kirwood from the Forest Ecology Alliance thanked both the artists involved and the broader community.
“We are blessed to have so many talented, local artists supporting our work and a community who understand the value of all the benefits that healthy forests and waterways have for us,” she said.
On Sunday, a keen group joined John Bennett on his Poets’ Walk at southern Valla Beach.
Sightings of wildlife, including a goanna, snake, a whale and a “welcome swallow” bird made it seem as though nature was celebrating the exhibition too.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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