Arts

Kerry Munns, whose happy abstract art adorns people as well as walls, moved with her family to Cowalla from Beacon about 10 years ago ... As well as turning her paintings into wearable art, Mrs Munns sells her original artworks, opens up her art studio for abstract painting workshops and holds plein air painting classes on her property, alongside the Moore River.

Diana Thurgood’s first novel Second Chance started its life as a short story back in 2011. After years of the story sitting silently to one side Diana later expanded on the original manuscript and submitted it to a publishing house for consideration.   To her delight she was offered a publishing deal ... From her property in the Blue Mountains, Diana spoke with Australian Rural and Regional News contributor, Serena Kirby about the process of turning her 14-year-old story into a published book.

Remember that old saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl”?  Peta Credlin AO, host of the “Credlin” program on Sky News Australia, columnist with News Corp, and former Australian Liberal Party dynamo, amongst many other accolades, made a flying visit to Wycheproof over the recent long weekend.

One of the best banjo players in the Riverina has played his last bush dance after retiring from the much-loved Tin Shed Rattlers after 38 years. Ian Charles has been part of the Downside Hall furniture since he first joined the Tin Shed Rattlers as their tenor banjo player in 1986.

The Pacific Belles will perform at the Nhill Airshow on April 13. Swing to their dulcet tones as they sing these war-time classics. Their vintage repertoire includes songs like "Don't sit under the Apple Tree" and "We'll Meet Again." The Pacific Belles are Australia’s hottest retro-style singing trio, inspired by the music of the 1940‘s and have been referred to as "Melbourne's very own Andrew Sisters'.

Clarence Valley Council has taken the silver award in the Australian Street Art Awards in the Best Monument or Memorial category for the 2022 Flood Memorial Murals project. The 2022 Flood Memorial Murals project was one of thirty- four public art experiences recognised as the best in the country at the Australian Street Art Awards.

Sheila Smith recently spoke at Hay Plains Landcare’s Women of the Riverina Forum, as one of Hay’s own women leading the way forward ... Sheila’s story is one of career pursuit highlights, her own exploration of the creative realm and journeys across the globe, that ultimately returned her to restoring a historic home in Lachlan Street.

From the Australian Street Art Awards – an Australia-wide organisation established in 2018 – comes the following message: "We have a surprise! Making good on our promise that size really does matter, we are announcing three extra awards this evening – for Best Small Town Street Art Festival or Event.

After the MaldON WalkON booklet was launched mid last year, all printed copies ran out the door. Friends of Maldon Historic Reserve Group Spokesperson Lee Mead said, “Due to the booklet’s popularity and value to Maldon, we have been successful in gaining a community grant from Mount Alexander Shire Council to reprint lots more copies.”

The Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival has been awarded a Silver Medal for the Best Small Town Street Art Festival or Event by the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards ... The Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival is held annually on the second weekend of October and is renowned for its farm art sculpture exhibitions, fine arts and photography exhibitions...

The Wool Bay water tank and shed mural was announced the best rural art in the country at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards ... "This incredible mural is a testament to the creativity and talent of our local artists, and it has truly transformed our community," Yorke Peninsula Council mayor Darren Braund said.

Horsham Regional Art Gallery (HRAG) is proud to announce our first major exhibition of 2024, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). Know My Name: Australian Women Artists tells a new story of Australian art.

More music lovers from across Victoria are on track to experience local music gigs like no other, with the epic live music and tourism extravaganza SOUND TRACKS set to transform Shepparton, Rochester and Echuca next month ... The event, presented by OK Motels, brings together live music and regional hospitality – boosting local jobs, businesses and attracting more visitors to regional Victoria.

Have you heard fungi talk? Have you felt the forest hum? Understory  is a magical, interactive theatre adventure created for children by Roundabout Theatre, springing to life in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens this April school holidays...

Thirty-four public art experiences have been recognised as the best in the country for art-loving visitors at the Australian Street Art Awards. Designed by lead artist Peter Ryan and brought to life at night with the aid of Illuminart, the silo art was announced as the Best of the Best after taking out the Gold Award in the Mega Mural category and also the Best Street Art Experience in NSW gong.

Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925, will open this Saturday ... Journey through the streets of historic Paris, brought to life in more than 170 works of art and artisanal objects from the renowned collection of the Musée Carnavalet – History of Paris.

Ten people have got together to bring you  Fanny’s Knickers. Most of the 10 have never acted before yet decided to join the Village Players to perform the slapstick, period melodrama three times at Club Evans.

In a much-anticipated event, Baringhup Hall is set to resonate with the melodies of folk music ... welcoming an international lineup featuring Icelandic folk singer Svavar Knútur, Australian folk duo The Maes, and Tarrengower’s own Grim Fawkner.  The doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, marking a first for Mount Alexander Shire under the auspices of the Festival of Small Halls...

Going behind the scenes of River Daze on Saturday afternoon, I was fortunate to be able to have a quick chat with headline act, Shannon Noll, just before sound check ... For Noll, who was born and bred in the country NSW town of Condobolin, it was his first time in Barham and being a country boy, he was prepared for an enthusiastic crowd.

Congratulations and thanks to artists Jordan and Steve who designed and painted this beautiful mural for Allora. It has become another special attraction for the Best little Town on the Downs.