General News
20 July, 2023
“It was incredibly rewarding”
LOCALS and visitors alike explored the story of the Corangamite area through art and poetry over the weekend.
LOCALS and visitors alike explored the story of the Corangamite area through art and poetry over the weekend.
The Corangamite Creatives exhibition ‘Celebrating Corangamite Shire’ drew crowds, with a number of artworks being sold on the day.
Corangamite Shire councillors Ruth Gstrein and Laurie Hickey were present to officially open the exhibition.
Participating artist Isha Paasse said the experience was “awe-inspiring” and “humbling”.
“The feedback from individuals; strangers, people I didn’t know, coming up and acknowledging what we’ve done and how they could relate to our images because it was about here,” she said.
“They were just so impressed with the quality of work.
“They were amazed that five people could produce so much.
“It was quite incredible. The sales were really healthy, which was quite extraordinary.”
Ms Paasse estimated between 200-300 people attended over the weekend.
She said she was astonished by how many artworks were sold for a rural exhibition.
“I’ve personally sold art from Melbourne to all around Victoria, but never as good as this exhibition because of how we market it, and our concept,” Ms Paase said.
“The community embraces its creatives, and I’m just amazed. I keep thinking I can’t believe how they came together.
“Because it was about them, it was about everything about here, and that’s how people relate.
“Even yesterday, we were having sales at three, with the exhibition closing at four.”
While people browsed the exhibition, the artists took the time to discuss their works with their audience.
Ms Paasse said the artists wanted their art to be more than just something to hang on the wall, but to mean something throughout Corangamite.
“We’re patriotic about here, and we’re incredibly grateful for the community embracing our concept,” she said.
“Our feedback has demonstrated that; not only feedback, but the support of purchases as well further validates it.
“Selling is not everything; the feedback was just as much a gift, let alone the sales.”