Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Three friends, one shared passion: (From left) Michelle Larsen, Tracy Stevenson and Alina Shaderkova celebrate the opening of their first exhibition at Mission Arts. Photo credit: Helen Cook
by Helen Cook
There was something particularly special about joining the packed crowd at Mission Arts on Friday evening, celebrating not just the opening of a beautiful new exhibition, but a milestone for three local women who have turned friendship and a shared love of art into something extraordinary.
Reef, Rainforest – Three Artists, Two Worlds, One Backyard brings together Michelle Larsen, Tracy Stevenson and Alina Shaderkova, each working in different mediums but sharing a fascination with the remarkable natural environment we call home.
What made the evening even more special was discovering this was the first exhibition for all three artists. And what a debut!
From Alina's exquisitely detailed oil paintings of tropical landscapes and wildlife to Tracy's colourful handmade glass jewellery and Michelle's imaginative ceramics and fused glass sculptures, the gallery was alive with colour and creativity. But perhaps the most heartwarming aspect was the friendship and collaboration that brought the exhibition to life.
Chatting with the artists, I discovered it was Michelle who suggested exhibiting together and took the lead in securing a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant through Cassowary Coast Regional Council to support the project financially.
With funding secured, the trio spent the next 12 months preparing for the exhibition, juggling work, creative commitments and the inevitable challenges along the way.
"It stretched us all," they admitted, explaining how working to a shared theme encouraged them to explore new ideas and push their creative boundaries. And judging by the enthusiastic crowd on opening night, their efforts were certainly worthwhile.
I love that Mission Arts provides opportunities for local artists to share their talents, challenge themselves and celebrate our extraordinary environment. Perhaps the success of these three friends will inspire others to take that first step.
The exhibition continues at Mission Arts until 17th November, with the gallery open daily from 10am to 2pm. All artwork is for sale.
For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events and opportunities to get involved in the local arts community, visit www.missionarts.org.au.
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