Opening of Mitchell's Landmark Art Show

Mitchell's 12th Landmark Art Show opened last night at the Maranoa Gallery, situated behind the library.

It was a vibrant affair with a large gathering of people keen to support the arts in Mitchell. As was the case at the art workshop held the previous day, all ages were represented-- from a five week-old baby to people in their 80s.

The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with drinks and nibbles, which was followed by hot soup and a bar in the courtyard. Our marimba band provided the entertainment, with happy, rhythmic music reflecting the mood of the crowd.

When the judge, Des Rolf, announced the prices for each section, Doug and I received an incredible thrill when Doug's opal pendant was awarded second place in the mixed media section. Doug created the pendant, using a boulder opal stone that we purchased in Yowah on our way up to Mitchell, earlier in the year. It is a beautiful stone, in that as you gaze into its centre you can see a landscape of muted yet fiery colours. The appeal of boulder opal is that the opal is set naturally with ironstone behind, to highlight the colour.

The Landmark Art Show Opening is the best organised and most enjoyable event we have ever attended. One of the greatest pleasures was the fact that we knew such a large number of people and had so many enjoyable conversations.

Opportunity to learn from an artist -- in Mitchell, outback Qld

As part of the annual Landmark Art Show, the judge, Des Rolph, gave a one-day workshop in Mitchell. I was one of the 15 keen participants who attended. One of the loveliest things about the group was that our ages ranged from a baby of five weeks to people in their 80s.

Des, who is well-known for adding a spiritual dimension to her landscape painting, showed us various techniques to improve the way we portrait the Australian landscape. There was a warm energy circulating in the room, an energy created by a group of people enthusiastic about art and keen about learning.

All of us love the splendour of the Australian landscape, so to have a teacher who helped us add strength and energy to our work was a great gift.

Thank you, Des.

The photo is of Des and Lesa.

The HANGING in Mitchell's Maranoa Gallery

Today -- Monday 25 July -- marked the day when a group of talented artists and helpers hung the artwork that comprises Mitchell's annual Landmark Art Show.

Over 200 pieces of art were entered, from all over Australia, as well as many from Mitchell and the surrounding area. Paintings, photography, sculptures, weaving and jewellery -- all needed to be tastefully displayed to show their individual beauty and creativity. Hanging is an art in itself.

Doug was there too, climbing ladders, banging in hooks and nails, and doing other handyman tasks around the gallery.

Now in its 12th year, the Landmark Art Show is well-known for its high-quality art work. This year's guest judge is Des Rolf, an artist famous for her spiritual and energised landscapes. She will be giving a workshop on Thursday, which I will attend. On Friday the 29th of July, Des will judge the entries and then declare the art show open at 5:30 p.m.

Today's hanging in the Maranoa Gallery was the start of a very busy week of art and culture in Mitchell, outback Australia.