Susanna Freymark
There is a sense of anticipation at the Cassino Art Gallery where more than 80 artworks hang on the walls waiting to be viewed – by you.
Artist Ralph Smith said it was the best exhibition they’ve ever had at the Barker Street gallery in Casino.
If you’ve never been to the gallery, the Chalk & Cheese exhibition is one to see. And finding out how some of the artists created their pieces gives an insight into the creative mind.
Art gallery president Laszlo Biro has 23 works in the exhibition and he has used different mediums including wood, glass, wax and painting.
“Ideas come into your head and go out, like breathing in and out, ” he said.
“It helps you make sense of existence, of the world.”
For Laszlo, the medium he chooses is less important than the idea.
“An idea drives the process,” he said.
He has included his wax crows in the exhibition. The sculptures are a maquette (scaled down) for a much larger sculpture.
Christine Cameron is an artist living in Lismore who sees the world in images.
“I see everything as a picture,” she said.
“I take lots of photos. I might go back five or six years before I even start the process of creating.”
Christine’s art features animals, flowers and birds, some painted on silk and others on linocuts. She has nine artworks in the exhibition.
Gwen Gray of Casino has three pieces hanging in the gallery.
Gwen is known for the four children’s books she has published about the birds living on the lagoon at her property.
Her paintings of birds are colourful and sometimes whimsical.
She said she gets a lot out of being part of a group of artists supporting each other and getting feedback.
“We are all different,” she said.
The gallery is in the former motor registry building and was bought by Richmond Valley Council in 2019 for $1 from the State Government.
The growth of the gallery was slow during the pandemic years but now with more workshops, classes, and exhibitions, Gwen described it as “the birthplace for Casino art”.
All it needs is you – come along and see the art on Saturday or until May 4. There is plenty to see. Check out the photos below.
CHALK & CHEESE
Diversity in Art & Artists Exhibition
Official Opening: Saturday, April 13 at 2pm $10 entry
Drink and nibbles included. Artist Laszlo Biro will be doing a portrait in clay demonstration during the opening.
The exhibition is open Thursday–Saturday until May 4. Gold coin donation.
Special Friends of the Gallery session on Saturday, April 20. Everyone invited.
Come along and find out more about becoming a Friend. RSVP 6662 1943.
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