Marja Verta, Valma Crerar and Terri Macdonald at the Old Courthouse Gallery, where Seymour and District Art Society’s winter exhibition is on display.
Photo by
Billie Davern
After a period of darkness, it’s light that fills the walls of Seymour’s Old Courthouse Gallery.
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Running just six months after the devastating Longwood bushfire tore through the region, the Seymour and District Art Society's winter exhibition invited local creatives to submit works responding to the theme ‘Let There Be Light’.
Society president Terri Macdonald said the sheer number of works submitted was extraordinary.
“This year, because of the Lights on the Goulburn festival, we have themed it around light, but also around recovery, restoration and resilience,” Ms Macdonald said.
“We were quite surprised at how many artworks we had. We had a lot of fun hanging them because it was like, ‘oh look, there’s more’.
“It shows just how engaged and how much our artists have come together to support the gallery, and each other.”
Ms Macdonald has two works featured in the display, one being a pastel painting of her property after rain with the sun coming through, and the other a silverpoint illustration of gum leaves that will change tone over time as the silver tarnishes.
“It’s an evolving thing that reacts to light,” Ms Macdonald said.
The winter exhibition is supplemented by a showcase of two art society members.
Valma Crerar and Marja Verta have joined forces for a two-month exhibition in the Charles August Gallery.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Valma Crerar and Marja Verta, who have each been artists for decades, have joined forces to display their independent works in the Charles August Gallery, inside the Old Courthouse.
Ms Crerar, who has been involved with the society for about 60 years, said the society had historically spotlighted one or two artists in the Charles August Gallery every month – a tradition that was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods.
“This is the first exhibition to go in there after that. I think it’s booked up well into next year. We’re getting back to normal,” she said.
On the walls, Ms Verta’s blue landscapes — inspired by her decades spent living on a Catamaran up north — complement Ms Crerar’s portraits of late First Nations actor David Gulpilil.
They also both have works spotlighted in the society’s winter exhibition, demonstrating their passion for art.
“I’ve always loved art, I just took it in my stride,” Ms Verta said.
“I just love it. When I’m painting, I go into a zone. We all do.”
For Ms Crerar, a life devoted to art has meant a life devoted to learning.
“I think you have to have a great desire to want to paint. It’s a great desire,” she said.
“It’s never-ending and I still learn. After 60 years, I still learn.
“If you ever think you know it all, then you’re finished as an artist.”
The society’s winter exhibition will be on display until the end of September, while Ms Verta and Ms Crerar’s works can be viewed until the end of August.
The exhibitions can be observed at the Old Courthouse Gallery on Emily St, Seymour, between 10am and 4pm weekdays and between 9.30am and 2pm on weekends.
Ms Macdonald said the society was also looking to welcome new members.
“We love getting new members. You don’t have to be a professional artist, you can be picking up a pencil or a paintbrush for the first time, we don’t mind,” she said.
“If anyone would like to join us, we would be more than happy to welcome them with open arms.”
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