A celebration of creative renewal, landscape and experimentation is on show this April with the 'Growth' exhibition on display at the Bainz Art Gallery in the Wangaratta Library.

The exhibition features works by local artists Dawn Meader, Barb Forster and Marg Bennett, presenting a diverse range of styles from realism through to abstract and semi-abstract painting.

Artist Barb Forster said the exhibition reflects not only artistic growth, but also a literal process of renewal in her own practice.

“The majority of my paintings are recycled from other paintings that I have painted over the last few years and given a new lease of life,” she said.

“If nothing else, a saving on buying new canvases.”

Barb's work is characterised by intuitive abstract techniques, experimental paint washes and textured surfaces created using plastic sheeting and stencils.

Recurring motifs such as round shapes, moons and suns appear throughout her work, alongside strong themes of water, texture and colour.

“I love to experiment with a more abstract style which is often achieved intuitively, a splash on a bit of paint or paint wash and see what happens,” Barb said.

“While I favour freely experimenting, I do like to sit down and paint realistic subjects, just to see if I can do it.”

Fellow exhibitor Dawn Meader, a Wangaratta local, said the exhibition marks an important return to painting after many years away from the canvas.

“I am a self-taught artist and painting has always been a passion of mine,” she said.

“Though I have exhibited my work in art shows in the distant past, circumstances have kept me from the canvas for many years.

"Now, at long last, I find myself able to immerse myself in this rewarding activity.”

Dawn's landscapes are inspired by the natural beauty of the Wangaratta region and are created using oil and acrylic paints.

Her work focuses on capturing atmosphere through subtle shifts in colour, tone and light.

“For me, every painting is an adventure, a journey of discovery and learning,” she said.

“My works have tended to be classically influenced, but I hope, always intrinsically Australian.”

Emerging artist Marg Bennett rounds out the exhibition with works inspired by her surroundings at Rainbow Ridge, the sheep farm she shares with her husband in Everton Upper.

“I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful district, where walks across the hills provide endless variety of weather, colour and atmosphere,” she said.

Her landscapes are realistic in approach, while her abstract works reflect what she describes as an “inner landscape,” with colour playing a central, expressive role.

Influenced by Australian painters such as Lucy Culliton, Marg works across a range of media including oils, acrylics, charcoal, conte crayon and oil pastel.

The exhibition will be on display throughout April at the Bainz Art Gallery, located within the Wangaratta Library.

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What's On In Brief

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See Ben Lee live at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre

ARIA Award–winning singer songwriter Ben Lee returns to Wangaratta on Friday, 17 April from 7.30pm as part of his On Tour… Always regional tour.

Following the success of his Awake Is the New Sleep anniversary shows, Lee is hitting the road again with a high energy, free flowing live set celebrating the joy of touring and his much loved back catalogue.

Known for classics such as 'Catch My Disease' and 'We’re All in This Together', Lee promises an intimate, unpredictable night of live music.

He’ll be joined by special guest Bec Sandridge, whose bold, genre bending pop and striking stage presence have earned national acclaim.

Bookings and information via the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre.

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CWA Creative Arts Exhibition in Benalla

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) Moira Group will present its bi annual Creative Arts Exhibition at the John Cooper Uniting Church Hall, Benalla, on Friday,17 April from 1pm - 4pm and Saturday, 18 April from 9.30am - 3pm.

The exhibition will showcase an impressive range of handcrafted entries by CWA members, including sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting, patchwork, toys, scrapbooking, cooking, preserves, horticulture, art and photography.

Members from Benalla, Boorhaman, Corowa, Night Roses Benalla, Rutherglen, Swanpool, Thoona and Yarrawonga and Border branches will be represented.

Judging will take place on Friday morning, with the exhibition opening to the public at 1pm and official awards announced at 2.30pm.

Craft demonstrations will be held across the event, and Swanpool branch members will host a popular Devonshire tea.

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Sri Lankan New Year Festival on Saturday

Wangaratta is invited to share in a centuries-old celebration when the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival comes to Barr Reserve Community Centre on Saturday, 18 April from 9am to 3pm.

Hosted by the North East Sri Lankans Association (NESLA) for the third year running, the festival brings the colours, sounds and flavours of Sri Lanka to the local community.

The day will feature traditional games such as Kotta Pora (pillow fighting), Kana Mutti Bindeema (pot smashing), children’s activities, and performances by young Sri Lankan dancers.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of authentic Sri Lankan food. All are welcome to attend and take part in the celebrations.

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Upcoming book sale at Wangaratta Library

The Friends of Wangaratta Library are holding a book sale on Saturday, 18 April from 9.30am to 12pm at the Wangaratta Library.

There will be a large range of second-hand adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s books to choose from.

All money raised will assist the library in providing programming and events.

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Local feature film at Wangaratta Cinema Centre

Everything Grows In Eden directed by Jack Johnston, a local actor and writer, will be screened at Wangaratta Cinema Centre on Saturday, 18 April, for a single screening with a Q&A to follow.

The film was shot across Wangaratta, Benalla, Samaria, Tatong, Swanpool and Boho South, and features local actors on screen with the soundtrack performed by local artists.

Everything Grows In Eden is a character-driven drama that pivots on identity, belonging and the tug-of-war between staying and leaving.

The story follows a young woman who promises to take her suicidal best friend to a mental health retreat but they are drawn to a rural commune where old wounds threaten to surface.

The soundtrack also features work by local artists, Ellen James and Felix Leunig, whose poetic songwriting and haunting voices which help pave the way for the message the film is trying to convey.

Tickets are available at https://www.wangcinema.com.au/home/.

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Teeny Tiny Stevies: Brain Fart Tour coming to Wangaratta

ARIA Award–winning and ABC Kids favourites Teeny Tiny Stevies bring their joy filled Brain Fart Tour to the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre on Sunday, 19 April at 10.30am for a high energy morning of live music the whole family will love.

The sister duo, Byll and Beth Stephen, are known for their clever, heartfelt songs that speak to kids and parents alike, mixing laugh out loud moments with genuinely moving tunes played live by real musicians.

Designed to be “adult friendly kids music”, the show invites kids to dance, sing and join in, while adults enjoy the sharp humour and standout harmonies.

Running for 60 minutes with no interval, Brain Fart promises an uplifting, interactive concert experience that creates lasting family memories.

Tickets are $35, with babes in arms (12 months and under) free on a parent’s lap.

Bookings via wpacc.com.au.

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Repair Café at the Sunday market

The Wang Repair Café will be at the community market at Moore Than Swimming on Mason Street on Sunday, 19 April from 8am to 12pm.

Volunteers will be on hand to repair broken items including toys, sports gear, tools, household goods and more, to help keep them out of landfill.

They have been supporting the community in repairing broken stuff for almost nine years and are proud to keep hundreds of items out of landfill.

They sharpen garden tools and knives, repair some electronic items, and great with the glue.

Textiles needing repair?

Bring it along and they will take a look.

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Springhurst Old Time Dance on Sunday afternoon

Enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing and community at the Springhurst Old Time Dance on Sunday, 19 April from 1.30pm to 5pm.

Dance along to music by Spring Rhythm and share in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Entry is $12, with guests asked to bring a plate of afternoon tea to share.

For enquiries, call 03 5726 5241 or 0427 265 243.

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Wangaratta community market on Sunday

The Wangaratta community market runs every 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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