Sutherland Shire Historical Society is holding an exhibition depicting shire scenes at the Sutherland Memorial School of Arts in May and isi looking for contributions for local artists.
“We already have about 50 paintings for this exhibition,” SSHS spokeswoman Elizabeth Craig said.
“But we would like to give shire residents and artists the opportunity to include their own paintings as well, either on loan or for sale if they wish.”
Their work will be part of an exhibition titled ‘Painting the Shire’ being held from the May 11 to 13 at the Sutherland Memorial School of Arts by the Sutherland Shire Historical Society (SSHS).
The exhibition will include paintings by shire artists, or paintings that depict shire scenes, along with a little history of the painting or the artist where possible.
“The exhibition will include some very early works right up to contemporary pieces, and in a sense it is a retrospective honouring many shire artists and displaying scenes over time,” Elizabeth said.
“Part of the exhibition will be a painting of Heathcote Hall, built in 1887, is by Kurnell artist, Otto Kuster.
“Otto is a migrant from Bohemia who, after studying painting and sculpture at the Munich Academy, came to Australia in 1960 in search of adventure,” Elizabeth said.
“Working his way around the outback doing odd jobs such as cane cutting, farm labouring and opal mining, he developed a great love of the bush.
“Otto settled in Kurnell to concentrate on his art and set about painting and getting to know his local area.
“His is patron of the Sutherland Shire Art Society, and his work is hung in public galleries around the world.
“The shire has a vibrant art scene including many award winners and Archibald competition entrants who will be represented.”
The exhibition curators are seeking additional works for display and invite anyone who has a painting or sculpture they would like to exhibit or sell, with a small commission to SSHS.
For cataloguing, indications should be submitted by mid April, ideally with a photo, a description of it and some information about the artist.
Email shirehistory@gmail.com or phone Bruce Watt on 0405493187.
Alternatively, write to PO Box 389, Sutherland 1499, including contact details.