The latest exhibition at Maldon’s Cascade Art had its official opening last Saturday.

Large landscape paintings by Liz Sullivan take the viewer on an immersive and close encounter with nature. The works are of vibrant landscapes of green grasses and flooded countryside, reminiscent of the recent flooding experienced in the region. Liz said that the titles of these works are inspired by songs, such as By the Light of the Sliver Moon. 

Hailing from Campbells Creek, Liz is an art teacher at a Kyneton secondary school but is taking time out from teaching to focus on her painting.

The exhibition was officially opened by Award-winning artist Dan Butterworth, who spoke about Liz’s incredible and admirable talent. Gallery Director Kareen Anchen and partner Jeff Gardner put together a successful opening with a full-to-overflowing number of visitors.

“As a painter myself, I want to encourage our painters. My partner Jeff and I have a bias towards painting,” Kareen said.

“Neither of us want to see painting lost in a digital world.”

Kareen is passionate about promoting arts and admires the support found in Maldon and surrounding regions.

“I believe that art is a learned craft where experienced artists can take their skills to the next level,” she said.

Local wines were on offer for visitors who milled about to view and chat in the grand old Uniting Church building, which dates back to 1853 and now serves as Cascade Art.

Kareen was thrilled by the number of attendees and sales on the day. “Often, the weather decides how these events turn out,” she said.

As you enter the building, you are confronted by large paintings of the Metcalfe floods painted by Liz. Further into the show, there is a room filled with images of fresh new flowering and green grasses, which seem to be flourishing from the rain.

Liz is a prolific painter, and it will be interesting to see her next body of work. The exhibition is well worth visiting, and you won’t be disappointed. Her exhibition runs until Sunday 5 March, and there will be an artist’s talk this Sunday (12 February) at 2pm.

The gallery will be holding a number of open studios and a planned exhibition by Robert MacLauren in March. More information on the gallery can be found at www.cascadeart.com.au.

Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 10 February 2023.