From pioneer stock in Hay to the plains of Africa, renowned wildlife artist Chris McClelland has travelled the world, pencil in hand, to capture its untamed inhabitants.
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McClelland’s next stop on his artistic journey is the Holbrook Rotary Art Show where he will demonstrate the creation of his intricate pencil drawings to open the event.
Rotary president Milt Golenberg said the art show begins Friday at 6.30pm with a colourful fundraiser full of food.
The show runs until September 2.
“This event is our major fund raiser and we depend on the community’s support as much of the income from the event goes back into the community, back to the schools, and to our many community services,” Mr Golenberg said
“Everyone is welcome, the Holbrook Hall is decked out in a kaleidoscope of colour, shapes and textures.
“It’s a fantastic fun night out.
“We wine and dine among the art, meet the artists, and enjoy the exhibiting works from artists around north-east Victoria, southern NSW and further afield.”
For years, Mr McClelland manged a sheep station in the Riverina, which inspired a series of action drawings depicting life and animals on the land.
Now retired, his wife Margie encouraged him to pursue his pencil drawings after many trips to Africa observing the wildlife.
In 2015 he won the prestigious Kenneth Jack Memorial Drawing Award for “The Hunter’s Five” showing the African big five animals in great detail.
He also donated an artwork of Those Marvellous Bloody Horses, depicting Australian light horsesmen for a centenary of The Charge at Beersheba memorial in Hay. Alongside McClelland’s work, Holbrook residents and students will have their artistic pursuits displayed.
Last year’s show attracted 68 artists and more than 300 entries, with similar numbers expected this year.
Chiltern artist Helen Hay’s garden sculpture, feltwork from Albury’s Vivien Naino and work from Higher School Certificate students will all be on display.
Chairman Jan Parer said the 40-year event was very community-orientated and the committee had been working to build the event and bring more art to the regional area.
“Each year the Rotary Art Committee invites artists to enter their paintings, photography, craft and sculpture and last year we formed a co-operative relationship with St Augustine’s Art Show to bring more art out to Holbrook,” she said.
Entry to the official opening is $30 or $20 concession. Normal admission is $5 for adults.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
