Goulburn Options artists (back from left) Jeremy, Tahlia, Lukas, Robbie, (front) Molly, Lucinda and Katelyne are looking forward to displaying their works at an exhibition which connects two of Seymour’s community groups.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Two of Seymour’s unique, yet somewhat invisible, community groups have been connected by a common goal: to create.
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As part of the Seymour and district University of the Third Age’s 20th birthday celebrations, members have joined forces with those at Goulburn Options to put on a vibrant display.
GO chief executive Debbie Mitchell said the exhibition had the purpose of shining a light on the talents of the two groups.
“Partly what was appealing for us, to have this combined exhibition and, hopefully, an ongoing relationship with U3A, was that we have these two unique populations that, in some ways, are invisible to the community and not appreciated for their talents as artists,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I think the fact that these two unique community groups can come together over a common interest, it doesn’t matter about age, ability or anything like that, is amazing.
“This is intergenerational, but also cross-ability.”
Goulburn Options chief executive Debbie Mitchell, Seymour and district University of the Third Age art teacher Garry Dunne and Goulburn Options art co-ordinator Mandy Gloede said they were excited to join forces.
Photo by
Billie Davern
With GO’s history in town as a space for creation, its art room often open for people to drop in and enjoy the colour within, 3UA members had no doubt that connecting the two groups for the exhibition was a fantastic way to celebrate their own 20 years.
Garry Dunne, who leads the art program at U3A, said he thought the exhibition would be helpful in boosting his own students’ confidence.
“I think when these two groups are together, it’s about two different groups connecting, not as though we’re competing against each other,” he said.
“It’s a merger of art. It’s just about two art groups merging, it doesn’t have to be any other way.”
The exhibition, to fill the GO art space in September, has been named 20x20x20, which honours U3A’s big anniversary, while also nodding to the size of the canvases used in the display.
U3A artists’ work was recently handed over to GO, and the quality of the work was praised by the team.
Goulburn Options artist Rosie grins wide while showing off her art.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“I’m just blown away. It’s a huge accomplishment,” Ms Mitchell said.
“When we have the opening, and it’s a public forum, if this is our response, you can imagine what the public’s response will be.”
GO participants are also contributing work to the display, and all said they were excited to show the town what they can do.
Some of the featured artists include Tahlia, who’s adding to her series called coffee break, Lucas, who’s whipped up a beautiful flower, Robbie, who depicted Seymour’s own train station with meticulous detail, and Lucinda, who said, “my inspiration actually comes from when I first met my partner and when we first fell in love.”
GO arts coordinator Mandy Gloede said it was about “bringing U3A and GO together.”
“It’s all based on building confidence and individuality,” she said.
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