Exhibition by region’s artists brings colour to Laurieton next month

FOR the last 43 years, Hastings Valley Fine Art Association (HVFAA) has cemented its reputation as a leading local artist-led cooperative.

The group’s annual October exhibition is now entering its third year, with 35 artists contributing 150 paintings for display at Laurieton United Services Club from 2-5 October.

It will showcase work in oil, acrylic, pencil and pastel mediums, with styles ranging from contemporary and abstract, to impressionistic and realistic.

A self-taught painter and former registered nurse, group president Caroline Hopwood moved to Bonny Hills 13 years ago.

The move sparked a journey into the world of art.

“My step-grandmother was a famous artist, and my stepfather was a sculptor, so I grew up surrounded by art,” Ms Hopwood said.

“Art is a visual expression with many modalities: it can be pretty or it can be political.”

Ms Hopwood’s preferred medium is pastels because of the vibrancy of the colour palette.

In recent years she’s focused on landscapes, many with the theme of reflections on water.

The group’s 200 members are spread across Port Macquarie and the Camden Haven with a mix of genders and ages.

Regular activities include life drawing, workshops, and outdoor painting sessions, as well as gallery visits and other social activities, followed by lunch.

A collective art piece created by 20 local artists will be raffled off during the exhibition. All the works on display will be available for purchase.

By Rachael THORPE