FAB – Fabulous Art Beachmere – is usually held over the Ekka long weekend but this year due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions it was postponed, and then extended to allow the gathering of artists and friends for the Gala Awards Night.
The extended opening over three weekends ended successfully, with the winners announced at the Gala Entertainment on The Deck on the afternoon of Saturday 28 August and a well-attended Artist Meet & Greet the next day, when artists and the new owners of work purchased, had the opportunity to meet, learn about the works changing hands and even organise commissions for future work.
FAB organisers said although the additional weeks did create a lot more work, the event was a great success.
“We owe a big thanks to all our volunteers and all the wonderful people who visited the gallery over the big three weekends,” Di Newell, BANG Secretary said.
“We have had so much support that we will definitely be running FAB as an annual event now.”
Just as exciting for local artists is the decision to hold a community meeting in October to gauge the interest in starting a Beachmere Artists Co-op.
Steve Mills, Curator of FAB 21 and a well known local artist, said that throughout the exhibition, there was much interest in, and discussion about, starting an artist co-op in Beachmere.
“It would give artists an opportunity to share knowledge and skills, attend and develop workshops, as well as just the opportunity to network and talk with other artists,” Steve said.
“The gallery at the Beachmere Hub is such a wonderful space and local artists should be encouraged to make full use of this great local resource.”
Locals interested in finding out more and getting involved are invited to attend a community meeting at the Beachmere Hub, Main Street, on Saturday, 23 October at 4.00pm.
