LOCAL artist and sculptor Maureen Varnavsky is showcasing a range of works in her first solo exhibition called Obscurity, which has opened at Wangaratta's Art Gallery on Ovens.

Maureen said the theme of this exhibition was inspired by university studies based on how society relates to older women becoming less important, less noticeable and less obvious.

She said ambiguity in her artwork invites people to explore the depth of the painting, encouraging them to look within.

“My work in oils and acrylics is varied across mediums, subjects and styles around the theme of obscurity," she said.

“It's a very eclectic collection, because I like to go where things lead me - and I also like to paint seascapes as I love the ocean.”

A creative person all her life, Maureen recently pursued her art passion completing a three-year bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Queensland’s Griffith University in 2023.

Studies followed on from her extensive background in interior design while living in the Southern Highland town of Bowral in NSW for around 40 years.

“I’ve had a lot of experience with art and artists, and helping clients and artists get together,” she said.

“I’m an emerging artist but have been involved in the Bowral and District Art Society as well as a number of art galleries for a number of years.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to work on the design of several art galleries.”

Maureen said since she discovered her love of art, it had progressed ever since, her work having been exhibited with other artists.

She said undertaking a degree gave her a chance to study at deeper and more intellectual levels.

Maureen moved to Beechworth towards the end of last year and she works from a studio at the Mayday Hills Art Society premises.

She has also joined Wangaratta's Art Gallery on Ovens team as a resident artist.

A sculptor too, among Maureen's bronze sculpture works is the ‘Goddess of old ladies'.

“I feel older women become less visible in society these days and our value can be overlooked,” she said.

“The goddess is very benevolent, encompasses the world, is gracious, and has the wisdom of the world in her.”

On show too are Maureen’s still life works, inspired by Italian painter and printmaker Giorgio Morandi’s (1890 – 1964) and his devotion to the honesty of form.

About 20 works are featured in this exhibition.

“I hope people enjoy the exhibition, with the theme expressed in different styles,” she said.

Obscurity is being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta until Tuesday, 6 May, open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm (except Anzac Day), and entry is free.

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What's on in brief

What's on in brief

The Shoe Horn Sonata at Benalla gallery

TO commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War 2, Limelight Touring Company and Benalla Art Gallery will present The Shoe Horn Sonata by John Misto at the Benalla Art Gallery on Anzac Day at 2.30pm.

Proudly supported by Veteran’s Remembers & State Government Victoria, The Shoe Horn Sonata is a a story of friendship, survival, enduring hope and sadness, as two women reunite and share their stories as war camp survivors.

Tickets are available now at events.humanitix.com/the-shoe-horn-sonata-limelight-touring-company.

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Friends of Warby Ovens art exhibition

FRIENDS of Warby Ovens National Park are holding an art exhibition in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during April.

Participating artists will be exploring three different ecologies in the park, the Warby Range, Killawarra Forest, and Lower Ovens, in forms of visual art including painting, lithograph, ceramics, photography and embroidery.

All are welcome to visit during library opening hours and entry is free.

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Crystalline at Wangaratta Art Gallery

SEE exhibition Crystalline at the Wangaratta Art Gallery this weekend from 10am to 4pm.

Crystalline brings together existing and new bodies of work by Brisbane based artist Elizabeth Willing exploring the interconnected qualities of alcohol and sugar.

It can be seen in Gallery 1 until May 18.

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Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday (except Easter Sunday) at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments available.

Stalls are available for just $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market's Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.

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Wangaratta Historical Society open weekends

TAKE a trip down memory lane each weekend by visiting the Wangaratta Historical Society and Museum in the old fire station in Ford Street.

The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm and entry is free.

Anyone who has interesting items from Wangaratta's past they think should be on display are welcome to bring them in or donate them to the museum, with more information via email to wangarattahistorialsociety@gmail.com.

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