GACCI History
Thin Title

Natural Friends
Thursday 22 May 2025
NATURAL FRIENDS
We met when our times overlapped when studying for the Natural History Illustration degree at the University of Newcastle. Since graduating, this wonderful course has provided the groundwork for us to each express our own passions in our own style.
The personal styles of each of us are very different but we all find our inspiration from the natural world around us.
And in each other through our friendship.
JAN CLARK
My work has been based in the natural world for many decades. As a textile artist the compositions
were more abstract expressionist than representational.
Studying at Newcastle University for the Natural Illustration degree, under the direction of Trevor
Weekes, taught me the skills for scientific illustration. I was stunned that I could do that!
This of course informed my subsequent work on paper.
But, there was an underlying feeling that, even though I loved my portraits of insects, something was lacking. And I was pulled towards painting acrylic abstracts.
Abstract composition is hard. It’s taken a while to understand how to do it and I’m still learning. But I have discovered the Why.
Abstraction is about feelings and the very realistic drawingsI had made did not convey my feelings.
Abstraction does that, and more. It allows the viewer to respond in their own unique way. Or not.
It’s a very personal way of creating for me and not everyone’s cup of tea.
I haven’t finished my explorations and hope this wonderful journey continues for a long time.
FIONA PFENNIGWERTH
I am an Australian artist, based in Newcastle, whose work expresses my love for the natural world and my Christian faith. I love the textures and patterns of the Australian bush, and crafting cameos of them.
I love exploring the Australian bush and national parks; and I love depicting them naturalistically in watercolour. I love studying the Scriptures and responding to them visually.
Combining these loves with skills in layout and theological exploration has filled a large part of the last two decades, and flowed out into the production of my three illuminated books, including The Book of Psalms illuminated, on sale in this show. For a score of psalms presented in this volume, I have illustrated scenes and flora and fauna from around our beloved Hunter region, the originals of which are also on display.
BRONWYN GREIVE
My art is fueled by my wonder of the natural world and The One who gifts it. Now in the 3rd stage of my life I have finally accepted that making art is integral to who I am – mentally, creatively and spiritually. It’s as much a spiritual journey as an artistic one. Creating helps me pay me closer attention.
Having never met a media I don’t like, (both a blessing and a challenge), I only use some of the many available. My choice is part of my response to the subject. However, I often use textiles, as so much can be done with it: sculpture, printmaking, drawing, mixed media, etc.
In the end my artworks are conversations between the subjects, different media, media, techniques and myself.

Faces You May Know
Friday 2 May 2025
Faces You May Know.... A portrait competition for residents of the Midcoast Council area. The subjects must be living within the 2422 postcode.
Works can be any medium, excluding photographs. Works can be on any surface that is flat – e.g. on stretched canvas, paper, cloth, glass. Maximum size 18” x 24” or 45cm x 60cm. They are to be unframed. Works on paper can be matted and covered in clear plastic for protection. Stretched Canvas or other works that can’t be ‘pegged’ must be ready for hanging with hooks and wires.
Jean Buettel jbuettel@gmail.com ph. 0421 082 594 for terms and conditions. The works will all be covered and unveiled one by one at the Opening Night

North & South
Saturday 5 April 2025
North & South
Christine Collister & Michael Fix
Two outstanding musicians come together - Christine’s sultry, sensuous voice,
combining with Michael’s exquisite guitar playing.
Christine Collister, from the Isle of Man, came to attention in the UK singing the
1987 theme for the BBC TV series 'Life and Loves Of A She Devil'. She sang with the Richard Thompson Band, with Clive Gregson and the female super-group Daphne’s Flight. With a gravity defying voice, impressive live performances and great personal charm she is a magical live performer, she's well known in the UK, and has performed at all major festivals from Glastonbury to Winnipeg to Cambridge.
Her most recent collaboration is with brilliant Australian guitarist Michael Fix,
widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists. He has won three Golden Guitars and numerous other awards in Australia, and tours widely throughout the world. Maton created the Michael Fix model guitar in hs honour.
A very special concert.
April 5
Tickets $35
Doors open at 6.30 for 7pm performance
Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre
Have a listen

Air Mass
Sunday 30 March 2025
Blending audience-generated soundscapes, live-looping, sampling, multitrack recording, body percussion and physical gesture; Air Mass will intersect digital technology with performance art to imagine future possibilities of solo saxophone performance. Instrumental virtuosity, lyricism and groove will meet in a powerful audience experience. This digital deep dive will be presented across NSW 2025 and released as an album by Da Vinci Classics.
Doors open at 3.30 for 4pm performance
Gloucester High School
Tickets $35
Tea/coffee & cake will be available to purchase
BOOK TICKETS

Brushwork Now & Then
Thursday 27 March 2025
Jean migrated from Canada during the 70’s and after some years working in the computer industry devoted her time to her art, attending courses and workshops at the ANU, and Summer and Winter schools at Mitchell College in Bathurst. Also being privileged to study with many renowned Australian Artists during her years in Sydney and Canberra. Jean has exhibited in mixed and solo Exhibitions in Woolloomooloo, Balmain, North Shore, Mudgee and Country NSW. Also having a solo exhibition at Double T Gallery in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in early 2000’s.
Moving to beautiful Gloucester in 2005.
Jean joined the Gloucester Artists prior to moving here and has been part of the
Gloucester Gallery exhibitions since, either solo or with her late friend Jean Spokes after spending time together in France painting.
She works in many mediums, oil, acrylic, pastel, pen and ink and watercolour.
Painting plein air when the weather permits, and accepts commissions for pet
portraits, landscapes and personal portraits.
Please enjoy this exhibition of her body of work from the past few years and
including some of her artist friend’s paintings from her collection.
Follow Jean Buettel on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JeanBuettel/
Phone Jean on 0421 082 594 for more information.

The Dining Room
Thursday 20 March 2025
GACCI is trying something new: a play in the Gloucester Gallery.
The play takes place in a dining room or, rather, many dining rooms in different homes over different eras. The same dining room furniture serves all the scenes with cast members taking on a variety of characters.
Directed by Wendy Buswell with Paul Armstrong, Gay Curran, John Galagher, Sandra Harrison, Graeme Healy, Maureen Hjorth, Nigel Harden, Kerri Jenkins, Jasmine Van Aalst
20th - 21st - 22nd March
Doors open at 6.30 for 7pm
Gloucester Gallery
25 Denison St Gloucester

Returning to the Mountains
Thursday 27 February 2025
Steven Jankovic Biography
Steven Jankovic lives and works in Maitland NSW.
He is an Australian Landscape artist who creates paintings in acrylics and oils, sculptures, oil pastel drawings and photography. He studied Art at Newcastle Art School Tafe and also studied under renowned Australian Landscape Artists, Tim Allen, Rowan Mathews and Idris Murphy. Also taking his inspiration and influence from Fred Williams and Jeffrey Makin.
Jankovic’s deep connection to the Australian bush & natural environment was a natural choice to paint landscapes. This passion goes a long way back to his childhood as this captured his imagination of going to the beaches, camping, trekking across mountains, and discovering waterfalls in remote areas of the Australian bush and has continued this into his artistic practice throughout his adult life. He has always enjoyed creating in some form, but never took it seriously, until he quit his job as a motor mechanic and enrolled in Art School at Newcastle Tafe. He quickly realised his passion for Australian Landscapes, and his love of dramatic and remote landscapes, the beaches and waterfalls with the flowing water, dramatic, rock formations, shapes and colours of his observations were put onto canvas and drawings from what was around him, which are drawn, painted and photographed which form part of his artworks. Using oils on the canvas over acrylics with a thick lustre of paints applied with a palette knife and bold confident brushstrokes to portray these landforms. This captures the energy and beauty of the Australian bush and landscapes with its striking rock formations, and the colours of earth and wild flowers.
After Graduating Art School Jankovic has won several art prizes and Grants been a finalist in a multitude of art prizes with 8 Solo Exhibitions to date, and with artworks in private and public collections.

Metaphysical Space
Thursday 30 January 2025
Metaphysical Space
Exploring the Transcendental
At its core, metaphysics goes beyond the observable and
empirical, delving into what lies behind apparent reality.
Throughout history, metaphysics has challenged and
stimulated the human mind; I took this premise during this
work to uncover the ultimate nature of reality and our place
from questions about the nature of time and space in my
life.
Metaphysics* is a branch of philosophy that explores
fundamental questions about the nature of reality, being,
time, space, and existence. It is often considered beyond
the physical as it seeks to understand the deeper, more
essential aspects of the universe and human experience.
*The word "metaphysics" comes from the Greek "meta," meaning "beyond," and
"physical," referring to "the physical." Therefore, metaphysics refers to what is beyond the
physical, what goes beyond what our senses can perceive and our instruments can
measure.
Susana Enríquez
Dr. Enríquez is an interdisciplinary artist with a vast culture and solid technical knowledge in painting. She also works in printmaking, photography, and digital art; she has participated in art and music performances and has been a volunteer curator at the Newcastle Community Art Centre and contractor curator at the Newcastle Art Gallery. From 2007 to 2008, she obtained an internship at the National Gallery of Australia through ANU in curatorial and aboriginal studies.
In 2011, she received the Female Latino of the Year award from the Australian Hispanic Women Business Network for her contribution to Latino Culture in Australia.
Dr Enríquez has 27 solo exhibitions and 40 group shows in Europe, Japan, Argentina, United States, Mexico and Australia. Her work has been selected for art prizes, including various biennales in Mexico. Major critics and artists, including Sasha Grishin in Australia, have presented her work. Her marriage to the important Mexican composer Manuel Enríquez (1926-1994) was a strong influence. Art, and culture has resulted in very diverse professional experiences. Her spot in the art world and other cultures through multiple trips and stays in Europe, Asia and Latin-America brought her substantial knowledge, which has allowed her to enrich her work.
Dr. Enríquez artworks are in public and private collections in Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain,Italy, Argentina and the United States. Her paintings have been published twice in the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM) magazine Voices of Mexico, the art magazine: ARTisSpectrum in New York, and twice in the Hunter Life Style Magazine in Newcastle.
As author Dr. Enríquez published Migration: Identity and Memory in 2014. In 2023, she launched the second edition in a bilingual version.
Her last solo exhibition, April 2024, was held at the National Arts Centre in Mexico City

Colourful Language
Thursday 2 January 2025
CATHERINE GARROD:
ARTIST BIO:
Catherine lives in Smiths Lake on the Mid North Coast, NSW.
Described as vibrant and compositionally bold, Catherine’s artwork is a testament to her creativity and unique perspective. Through a powerful colour palette, she brings to life natural themes, abstracted in a way that surprises and challenges traditional perceptions. Her art is a celebration of the unexpected, where simplicity meets complexity, and ordinary objects are amplified into extraordinary forms.
Her work is a testament to her exploration of gestural expression, as each brushstroke of colour carries an undeniable energy. The resulting compositions are both captivating and thought provoking, inviting viewers to delve into a world where imagination knows no bounds.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
’Colourful Language’ is generally used to shock or to astound the listener, or in my case, the viewer, particularly when no other words can be found to articulate how I relate to my world. I find that creating art helps me to express my inner thoughts and feelings and for me it is a thrill to use colour in the most impactful way I can. I hope this shows in the art I create.
JULIE PLASTO
ARTIST STATEMENT:
In my work, which is primarily figurative, I am mindful about the strength that colour adds to the power of my paintings.
I like to create mood rather than emotion through my use of colour.
I work with a limited palette, mainly primaries, plus burnt umber.
This creates a harmony as the colours are totally related and create a soothing feel to each canvas.
I use white to add tonal value but never use black.
I follow the Post Impressionists who never used black but created shadows with secondary colours and blue to create shadow and depth in their work.
I use dark and light line to create depth and realism.
My work has a retro feel which is enhanced by my choice of colour.
ARTIST BIO:
I went to school in Sydney and then went into art School studying Art at Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education. I also have a degree in education and
then taught Visual Art until the birth of my first child returning to teach for many years after a break having children.
I have always been creative and have painted all my life and in more recent years I have entered Regional Art competitions and have been awarded several Prizes.
I have a strong involvement in the Pacific Palms Art Community and curate an exhibition space at the Lake View Gallery in Elizabeth Beach exhibiting the work of local artists. I am also involved in the Annual Pacific Palms Art Festival exhibition.
My art studio is in our home at Blueys Beach and I spend many hours painting a variety of genres.
TRACIE BERTRAM
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Colour is both familiar and mysterious at the same time. It is often the first thing I am drawn to, and it shapes the way I feel about the world.
Moving through the seasons, each day brings different colours that are present in Nature and the built environment. For me, each day offers new opportunities and choices – what colours to wear, what colours to eat, and most importantly, what colours to work with. Colour is one of life’s truly special gifts.
Working in ceramics gives me endless possibilities to speak with colour. Natural clay bodies, earth pigments, plus a vast range of ceramic glazes provide me with a wide palette to play with.
I enjoy using these colours to build a sense of story or drama into my work.
Colour is a language that speaks eloquence what I cannot say with words.
ARTIST BIO:
Tracie Bertram – born Melbourne, Victoria.
Tracie achieved a BAVA (ceramics major) at the Newcastle College of Advanced Education in 1987 and a Master of Fine Art at University of Newcastle in 2007.
Tracie has been a practicing artist since graduating in 1987, exhibiting regularly in numerous group and solo shows in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne. Tracie has received grants for public and private art projects, taken on many public and private commissions and has work represented in the Newcastle Region Art Gallery collection. Tracie developed a range of functional slip-cast tableware and bespoke ceramic items under the name of Trick Dog Ceramics between 1990 – 1996.
For the past 27 years Tracie has been teaching Ceramics and Design at the Newcastle Art School (TAFE) and is currently also teaching Fine Arts at the Great Lakes Campus (TAFE) at Tuncurry NSW.
In 2024 Tracie was Artist in Residence at Pacific Palms Public School, working with years 5 and 6 to complete a ceramic sculpture project. She exhibited her sculptural works at Sculpture at Scratchley in May and Newcastle Art Space in December. January 2025 sees Tracie exhibiting in group shows at Gloucester Gallery and at PACC - Performance Arts Culture Cessnock.
GEOFF BEATTY
ARTIST BIO AND STATEMENT:
After a lengthy and successful career as a professional photographer, Geoff has delved into many creative pursuits including design and visual arts.
He is a self taught sculptor working across a variety of mediums, predominately brass and steel but also plaster and plywood.
Normally working in brass and steel, these plywood sculptures are a colourful departure from the patinated browns and rusty hues usually associated with his metal pieces. The lighter weight materials reacts playfully to the pastel tones.
The pieces in this collection are all plywood, natural and painted.
Inspiration has been taken from the forms employed by the late American sculptor, Alexander Calder.
The pieces are small-scale models that hint at future large scale, commissionable works.

AGM 2024
Tuesday 31 December 2024
A few words from James Hooke - president 2024
Thank you, thank you thank you. A whole year of thank you’s.
This group has maintained a standard of professionalism of which I am proud - Of which we should all be proud.
From theatre that has focused, directors that have pushed, performers under pressure through to lighting/sound/production values that have increased, our players arm has had a good year. Back in the saddle after covid, the June play (is it really that long ago) was the biggest yet in terms of attendance. Thank you to everyone who gave so much.
The gallery seems to be always a source of wonder to me. Booked out years in advance, with fresh ideas, challenging our perceptions and of course, with great opening soirees(!) I am extremely proud of it. A small town with such curiosity! Thank you particularly to the three who give so much of their time. Charlie, Jenny and Wendy. For your persistence, tolerance and inspiration.
Lastly though I would like to thank everyone who makes our community, particularly our arts community, so vibrant. It makes such a difference to all our lives. From low brow ‘characters’, to high brow flamboyance, it makes our lives just a little bit sparkly!
And from the rest of the team; Thank you for supporting GACCI this past year, we have all had a blast and are looking forward to the next 25 years or GACCI.
2024 Committee
President: James Hooke
Vice President: vacant
Secretary: Jenny Lindsay
Treasurer: Carly-Ann Lethbridge

Wonderings
Thursday 5 December 2024
“The journey of WONDERINGS began with a childhood memory. As I sat on a hospital bed, my only companion was an image on the wall before me. The picture depicted a girl with a little dog, a scarecrow, a lion, and a tin man. Unfamiliar with the Wizard of Oz, my imagination ran wild, crafting the most amazing scenarios of what might have transpired in that place.
What was the big storm behind them? Perhaps it was this, or that…
Why was the scarecrow so scared? Maybe because… and the story continued endlessly.
In the same way, WONDERINGS invites you to create your own story. Immerse yourself in the images on display and embark on a journey of your own making.
WONDERINGS is a painted story of you.”
This is Christine Onward’s second solo exhibition at GACCI. As before, it showcases a series of paintings in an original whimsical style, inspired by Eastern European folk and naive art. Additionally, you will find an extraordinary collection of rocks, painted in Christine’s unique style

Australia Through My Paint Brush
Thursday 7 November 2024
Born in Hungary in 1943 emigrated to Australia 1957
I attended Art School at East Sydney Technical College.
I began painting as a traditional painter in oils and water-colour and in recent times, explored new styles and methods in painting such as contemporary and abstract. These methods allowed me to experiment new ways of using the paint, and learning the magic of what painting is all about. Such is the theory that, what the artist puts on the canvas is not determined by the hand and the brush alone, but the mixing of paint on the canvas – thus, the paint works for you, and that’s brings the final result. These methods and styles where on display at my recent exhibition at Gallery Lane Cove.
What is my passion? What are my goal as an artist? Throughout years of experience and personal development, I have grown a passion for creating, experimenting and inspiring new art. My passion and art has been to travel overseas, and also work with artists in Australia’, experiencing firsthand all their individual and unique styles. My future exhibition is to showcase these experiences.
My travel to Europe gave me a first hand view of some of Europe’s old masters work. Visiting the art capitals like Venice, Florence, Pisa, Amsterdam, and Budapest. The immense knowledge I gathered by viewing the works of artists like Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and the great Hungarian painter Mihaly Munkácsy – was an indescribable experience.
I feel that my versatility is represented through the cross-section of my artworks, with the forms, colours, and the compositions all remaining in harmony. At the same time, keeping my uniqueness, and placing forefront all new feelings in life, and creating them with new techniques.
INSPIRATION: Tom Roberts - Lloyd Rees
PRIZES AND AWARDS:
1987 Lane Cove Art Prize - Commended Prize Judged by the late Lloyd Rees.
2015 Hunters Hill Art Award FINALIST
2015 Waverley Art Prize FINALIST
2018 Hunters Hill Art Award FINALIST
RECENT EXHIBITIONS:
Universal Aspects Exhibition Gallery Lane Cove 2017

Celebrating 25 Years of GACCI
Friday 1 November 2024
Celebrate 25 years of GACCI Come and celebrate 25 years of GACCI with a fun filled night of reminiscences, trivia and celebration. Join us and book tickets for yourself at a table or a whole table for you and your friends. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Friday 1st November Gloucester Senior Citizen Centre BYO Drinks and Nibbles Tickets $25 This is a celebration of everyone's hard work over the years. We will not be fundraising during the night. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS IN GLOUCESTER

Theatre Workshops
Thursday 17 October 2024
Wendy Buswell, along with John Galagher, will be leading an engaging six-week series of theatre workshops. Whether you're looking to learn new skills or hone existing ones, these workshops offer something for everyone—no experience necessary and no lines to learn! You can join for just one session or stay for the full six-week journey. Perfect for all experience levels, this series promises a fun and supportive environment where you can explore your creativity and build confidence on stage. Commencing Thursday 17th October at 6.30pm Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre For further information email Wendy: production@gloucester-arts.com.au

Spring Exhibition
Wednesday 11 September 2024
The Gloucester Artists are once again showing their annual Spring Exhibition. The group has been in involved for over 30 years with new artists adding their creativity and many veterans who have been involved over the years.
With over three dozen members who come and go during the year we gather in the School of Arts Building on the third Monday of each month to paint together. Also during the year we invite experienced artists to hold workshops introducing us to various mediums with their experienced tuition.
Beginners are encouraged to join and create artwork. We have a variety of supplies and we are all willing to help out any newcomers with our friendly, creative group.
Please come and enjoy what has been produced during the past year by our variety of artists and their different mediums.
Exhibition Official Opening Saturday, September 14 th from Noon.

PIX From The STIX 2024
Thursday 15 August 2024
Pix from the Stix is Gloucester's annual photography exhibition that celebrates the talents of budding and experienced photographers. PIX has a range of categories for entrants 18 years and older, as well as an open section for juniors 17 years and under.
Winners will be announced by Arthur Roy at the opening on Friday 16th August 7pm - everyone is welcome.
The PIX 2024 photography competition is now open. Entries close 30th July 2024. There are 7 categories plus a junior section for people aged 17 and under. Thank you to our sponsors, we couldn't have this competition without your support. Please support our sponsors whenever you can. Gloucester Community Shop - MAJOR PRIZE Raine and Horne Gloucester - Absence of Colour Avon Valley Meats - Culture and our way of life Gloucester Tyre and Battery - Faces I Have Met Rob Moore & Associates - Lie of the Land Gloucester Medico - Man Made Jacobs Building - Natural Environment KE and LA Forbes Building - Not Your Normal Photo Rotary Club of Gloucester - Junior Faulls Ridge Wine - Opening Event

Australian Haydn Ensemble
Sunday 4 August 2024
Artist Bio The Australian Haydn Ensemble, (AHE) was founded in 2012 by Artistic Director and Principal Violinist Skye McIntosh and is now in its twelfth year. AHE has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s leading period-instrument groups, specialising in the repertoire of the late Baroque and early Classical eras. It takes its name from the great Joseph Haydn, a leading composer of the late eighteenth century. AHE’s flexibility and inventiveness are inspired by Haydn’s fabled originality and the virtuosic musicians he worked with at the court of Esterházy for almost 30 years. The ensemble performs in a variety of sizes and combinations, ranging from quartet, quintet, or septet, to chamber orchestra, or full orchestra with choir, often inviting special guest soloists to perform also. The Ensemble has developed a flourishing regular series at the City Recital Hall, the Sydney Opera House Utzon Room and in Canberra, where it was Ensemble in Residence at the Australian National University in 2014. AHE also performs throughout regional NSW and presents education workshops to students of all ages, focusing on imparting eighteenth-century historical performance techniques. AHE is particularly interested in presenting unusual programs of eighteenth-century chamber versions of works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, as well as presenting the music of lesser- known composers, such as Abel, Albrechtsberger, C.P.E. Bach, J.C. Bach, David, Graun, Hoffmeister and Vanhal. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, the Ensemble recorded its third CD featuring music by Mozart, recently released, and in October 2023 AHE undertook its first international tour of the United States, including performances at Carnegie Hall and at the opening of the new Australian Embassy in Washington DC, garnering full houses, standing ovations and glowing reviews. Touring Members (Please note, this differs from the quartet image provided. There will be individual images of each member provided also) Skye McIntosh – Artistic Director Skye is playing a violin by Tomaso Eberle, 1770, Naples Ella Bennetts Ella is playing a violin by André Mehler, 2014, Leipzig, after S. Serafino,1735, Venice Karina Schmitz Karina is playing a viola by Francis Beaulieu, 2011, Montreal after Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza, 1793, Milan Edwina Cordingley Edwina is playing a cello by Michael Watson, 1990, United Kingdom Artist Bios Skye McIntosh Skye McIntosh is the founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Haydn Ensemble, now in its twelfth year. This audacious undertaking is a testament to Skye’s musicianship and entrepreneurial spirit. AHE, known for its innovative and ambitious programming, was delighted to perform at the Adelaide Festival in 2022 and Canberra International Music Festival in 2022 and 2023, as well as continuing to tour to Canberra and across regional New South Wales each year. Skye attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Queensland Conservatorium, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and has made numerous concert appearances as soloist and director. Skye led AHE on its first tour to the US in 2023, including a performance at Carnegie Hall. She has also toured nationally with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, as well as performing with the Orchestra of the Antipodes (Pinchgut) and the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra. ABC Classics has recently released AHE’s third CD, featuring Skye performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major. Ella Bennetts Sydney-born violinist Ella Bennetts enjoys a varied career performing with numerous chamber ensembles and orchestras throughout Australia and Europe. After attaining her Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Ella moved to Germany in 2012 to pursue her classical and baroque violin studies in Freiburg. Ella has performed with various early music ensembles in Europe, including Freiburger Barockorchester Ensemble für Alte Musik, Chapelle de la Vigne and Main- Barockorchester Frankurt. Ella also has extensive experience as a contemporary violinist, having collaborated with numerous composers and contemporary ensembles in both Austria and Germany. Since returning to Australia in 2022, Ella performs regularly with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Australian Haydn Ensemble, Orchestra of the Antipodes (Pinchgut Opera) and various other ensembles. Karina Schmitz Hailing from the east coast of the United States, American violist Karina Schmitz has settled in Sydney and is thrilled to be immersed in the rich and vibrant musical scene in Australia. In addition to performing with the Australian Haydn Ensemble, she is principal violist with Orchestra of the Antipodes (Pinchgut Opera), and has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Van Diemen’s Band, Salut! Baroque, and Ensemble Galante. In the United States, Karina was principal violist of the Handel & Haydn Society in Boston, principal violist of Apollo’s Fire in Cleveland, principal violist of the Carmel Bach Festival in California, and founding violinist/violist with New York-based, seventeenth-century ensemble ACRONYM. Karina holds viola performance degrees from New England Conservatory of Music (Boston) and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Her early music studies began as an undergraduate at Oberlin Conservatory with Marilyn McDonald, David Breitman, and Miho Hashizume, and she continued her training in the Apollo’s Fire Apprentice Program. Edwina Cordingley Upon receiving first-class honours Edwina was a full scholarship holder for three years at the Australian National Academy of Music. With a brief interlude to trek around South America for six months, Edwina then moved to the United Kingdom to further her studies and perform. She studied Baroque cello in Edinburgh with David Watkin before moving to London after receiving an apprenticeship with Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Edwina went on to tour Europe with Sir John Eliot Gardiner in his ensembles, the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique and to perform and tour Europe as Principal Cello for The Gabrieli Consort and Players. Back in Australia Edwina enjoys performing with many historically informed ensembles such as Genesis Baroque, Australian Baroque, Australian Haydn Ensemble, Accademia Arcadia and The Coomoora Ensemble to name a few.

Pigment & Clay
Thursday 18 July 2024
Karen McPhee
Bachelor Visual Arts, Sydney University
Fine Arts Diploma, TAFE NSW
I approach my practice of drawing and painting by employing a ‘no right or wrong’ viewpoint and embrace the adventure and unknown when developing a visual artwork.
Taking inspiration from the world around me, I often commence a work with a loose concept such as ‘landscape’, ‘still life’ or ‘botanicals’ etc, as a means to explore composition, colour and mark making. I have found that drawing from observation allows me to gain a sense of perspective and understanding of a subject, whilst also the freedom to work with this experience in a more creative, gestural and abstract way.
By utilising this fluid approach, my art works develop with every addition or subtraction of line, shape or colour throughout the entire creative process.
Kate Wheaton- Barrington Coast Ceramics
Kate is a ceramicist based in the Hunter. She grew up in Gloucester, and runs a rural accommodation business with her family “Barrington Hideaway” where she has a ceramic studio. Kate draws inspiration for her work from the beautiful natural surrounds of the Barrington Coast, and has been exploring the use of hand dugs clay and natural fibres in her work.
Kate works predominantly on the pottery wheel, where she shapes her vessels, later carving, burnishing or adding woven elements. She likes to leave her vessels unglazed to showcase the natural clay surface, whilst glazing the interior so they can be used to hold liquid for functionality. Natural fibres are hand collected, dried and then twined to form an additional connection to the natural world.

The Government Inspector
Thursday 20 June 2024
The Government Inspector is a play about mistaken identity and the way we open ourselves to be made fools of. The inhabitants of a rural town hear that an incognito inspector will be visiting and go to extraordinary lengths to please the new arrival; except that the new arrival is not the real inspector, merely a lowly public servant who ends up making fools of them all. Starring Kerri Jenkins, Colleen Sorrensen, Jasmine Van-Aalst, Gay Curran, Dave Windrid, James Hooke, Peter Moon, John Galagher, Mo Hjorth , Carol Bennett, Dave Keen, Graeme Healy, Trish Banyer Directed by Wendy Buswell Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Show. Show dates Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June. Tickets $30 each

Beyond Horizons
Thursday 23 May 2024
Beyond Horizons invites you to discover the unique collection of recent illustrations and oil paintings by the Novocastrian artist Carmen Delprat. Specialising in the captivating realms of breezy beach landscapes and female portraits adorned with exotic shells, Carmen's artistic journey is marked by a rich educational background, including a Bachelor of Visual Arts, Diploma in Art, Masters Degree in Fine Art, and a Graduate Diploma in Art.
Carmen's artistic passion shines through as she intricately captures and allegorises the natural world, transforming it into dreamlike interpretations where the familiar meets the fantastical. Merging various styles such as fine art, Surrealism, and Symbolism, she crafts each piece with a delicate unique approach. The viewer is invited to take the time to appreciate the organic use of line and form while exploring the gentle feelings of comfort and ease with dreamy imagery and vivid colour harmonies. Across different mediums, Carmen uniquely fuses layers of imagery, creating compositions that gently shift focus, revealing hidden narratives within.
Beyond Horizons invites viewers to immerse themselves in Carmen's creations, where every stroke and detail ignites nostalgia, forming a visual dialogue between the observer and the artwork. Carmen's work is a harmonious blend of soothing aesthetics and profound strength, promising an exhibition that transcends horizons and resonates with the essence of each observer's individual experience.
![Bangalow Palm Inflorescence Random Weave [April 10th]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/19581c_65137db24d284ae5a84e81956ce7166b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_262,h_249,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.png)
Bangalow Palm Inflorescence Random Weave [April 10th]
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Join us at Gloucester Gallery for a Bangalow Palm Inflorescence Random Weave workshop during the Hanging Together - Artists of Wallamba Exhibition and learn from the wonderful Susie Oldfield. In the workshop, Susie will be sharing the random weave technique to make a very simple basket or small sculptural piece but also giving ideas on surface design as well as applying the technique to sculptural work and other natural fibres to make string that can be used with the process. Susie Oldfield has been immersed in the world of fibre arts for many years, but has recently delved into traditional Indigenous techniques, particularly focusing on Bangalow Palm inflorescence random weave, string making with Lomandra and Day Lily leaves, as well as harakeke (New Zealand Flax) weaving and processing. Finding satisfaction in using natural materials, she believes that the material itself dictates the creative process, leading to a meditative experience.Over the past five years, Susie has achieved notable success with her Bangalow sculptural pieces, securing three first prizes and exhibiting at prestigious venues such as Gallery 76 in Sydney, Great Lakes Art Society Lake St Gallery, and Macleay Valley Art Gallery. Just last week she added a 2nd prize in the 3D section for her work at the GLAS Open exhibition. Additionally, she has conducted contemporary basket making courses at GLAS and Nabiac Farmers Market, along with demonstrations at Manning Made. Susie cherishes working with ephemeral materials, often utilising unwanted garden waste, which not only minimises material costs but also emphasises sustainability. Emphasising the relaxation and laughter that accompanies her process, she stresses that the material guides her, leading to a stress-free and spontaneous creative journey. Participants provide: - Spray bottle (to soften the fibres ) - Secateurs - 1-2 towels Gloucester Gallery Wednesday 10th April 2024 10.30am - 1.30pm This workshop is brought to you by Mid North Coast College. Funded by the NSW Government.

Bangalow Palm Inflorescence Random Weave
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Join us at Gloucester Gallery for a Bangalow Palm Inflorescence Random Weave workshop during the Hanging Together - Artists of Wallamba Exhibition and learn from the wonderful Susie Oldfield. In the workshop, Susie will be sharing the random weave technique to make a very simple basket or small sculptural piece but also giving ideas on surface design as well as applying the technique to sculptural work and other natural fibres to make string that can be used with the process. Susie Oldfield has been immersed in the world of fibre arts for many years, but has recently delved into traditional Indigenous techniques, particularly focusing on Bangalow Palm inflorescence random weave, string making with Lomandra and Day Lily leaves, as well as harakeke (New Zealand Flax) weaving and processing. Finding satisfaction in using natural materials, she believes that the material itself dictates the creative process, leading to a meditative experience.Over the past five years, Susie has achieved notable success with her Bangalow sculptural pieces, securing three first prizes and exhibiting at prestigious venues such as Gallery 76 in Sydney, Great Lakes Art Society Lake St Gallery, and Macleay Valley Art Gallery. Just last week she added a 2nd prize in the 3D section for her work at the GLAS Open exhibition. Additionally, she has conducted contemporary basket making courses at GLAS and Nabiac Farmers Market, along with demonstrations at Manning Made. Susie cherishes working with ephemeral materials, often utilising unwanted garden waste, which not only minimises material costs but also emphasises sustainability. Emphasising the relaxation and laughter that accompanies her process, she stresses that the material guides her, leading to a stress-free and spontaneous creative journey. Participants provide: - Spray bottle (to soften the fibres ) - Secateurs - 1 -2 towels Gloucester Gallery Tuesday 16th April 2024 10.30am - 1.30pm This workshop is brought to you by Mid North Coast College. Funded by the NSW Government.

Hanging Together
Thursday 28 March 2024
Hanging Together is an exhibition of works from an eclectic mix of Wallamba artists, providing an engaging visual experience using a diverse range of techniques and mediums.
The exhibiting artists are:
Ariane Bell, Susie Oldfield, Beate Brooks Tracy, Carmel Spark, Vicki Mullins, Dianne Smith, Phillipa Bird, Kathleen Soper, Jeri McKay and Christina Mary Kirk.

The Park
Thursday 29 February 2024
Luke is an architect and artist who grew up in Gloucester, currently living and working in Newcastle, NSW. In 2022 with Curious Practice, he completed the installation ‘Undertow' at the Barrington reservoir as part of MidCoast Council’s Barrington Coast Art Trail—The Tanks initiative. Exploring mediums, his creative practice often traces autobiographical ground and introspective themes that seek common resonance with viewers. ‘The Park’ is a large-scale work blurring figuration and abstraction. An attempt at recording personal history beyond linear narrative, the exhibition explores the creation of myth and distortion of memory at the scale of the individual.

VOCATION
Thursday 1 February 2024
A Display of art from professionals working in visual art and media industries to demonstrate possibilities and inspire creative careers.
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
DECORATIVE ART
GRAPHIC DESIGN
GENERATIVE ART
STORYBOARDING
CUSTOM TATTOO DESIGN
The exhibtion will include a behind the scenes look at the design process of print on demand, ecommerce and creative merchanise.
The will also be a live DJ set by DOUGIE STYLZ
James Zarb
Generative art
One year ago, I embarked on a transformative journey as an AI artist, and it's been an
incredible ride ever since. With the integration of technology and creativity, I've found a
new way to express myself and bring my visions to life. Through countless hours of
dedication, I've honed my skills in digital art and machine learning, allowing me to merge
the power of artificial intelligence with my imagination. Today, I stand at the crossroads of
human passion and technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of artistic
expression and captivating audiences with my AI-infused masterpieces. It's been an
extraordinary adventure, and I can't wait to see where this fusion of art and technology
takes me next.
Artist’s Profile - Shelley Kurtz
Graphic design
Shelley is an award winning graphic designer and artist.
Growing up in Sydney, Shelley attended art classes once a week after
school. Her Grandfather encouraged her to draw & paint by buying her
different art supplies.
She attended Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School where she first
discovered her passion for graphic design.
Moving from Sydney to Newcastle, Shelley studied a Bachelor of Visual
Communication Design, majoring in Illustration in which she graduated
with distinction.
Shelley moved to the Mid North Coast in 2011 and It was during this
time she started painting close ups of birds - acrylic on canvas. She
would live paint at the markets, whilst selling her work.
Shelley got her first full time graphic design job in Tuncurry, which
sadly meant her paint brush would take a back seat. Soon after, she
started her freelance graphic design & photography business - Creative
Shell and this became her main focus.
She has shifted her medium to digital art, drawing her artworks on a
computer using a program called Adobe Illustrator. Her inspiration comes
from her love of birds, her pet parrot Sun Conure, annual trips to Hawaii
and her obsession with colour.
Known for her simplistic style, almost cartoon like, Shelley heavily relies
on colour to evoke a response within the viewer by using bright palettes.
Leigh Hooker
Visual Artist
Leigh is an intuitive painter working from her home studio in Tuncurry NSW. Passionate
about portraiture in mixed media, she continues to explore a variety of mediums, some of
which are sugar spray paint, acrylics, gold leaf, charcoal, inks and tea. Inspired by dreams,
feelings, emotions and a love of nature which is woven through layered works in a style of
Abstract Realism.
A highlight of her work was a commission by Waminda Aboriginal Women’s Health and
Welfare Corporation for a series of 12 portrait murals depicting Elders and Women of the
Waminda community in 2018/2019.
Gemma Stylz
Visual art and design
Hailing from the UK and now rooted in the peaceful countryside of NSW, Gemma's artistic
strengths lie in her diversity. With a focus on figurative art, she offers a range of services,
from realistic portraits in traditional oils and pencils to digital design for merchandise,
prints, and web ready graphics.
In her past, Gemma was well known in the world of custom tattoo art internationally. She
was guided by renowned mentors and attended classes & seminars worldwide, including
in Japan, the USA, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. These days, she continues her
artistic and business growth through online studies.
At present, Gemma is quietly crafting a new collection of art inspired by dreams and
symbolism, all in styles that aim to bring a touch of enchantment to your daily life. She's
also working on developing skills as a children's book illustrator and continues to offer
freelance art services to small businesses and collectors.

Holiday Drama Workshops
Sunday 7 January 2024
Drama Workshops for the School holidays with Wendy Buswell and Mary Ross. Join us for a fun week of Creativity, Imagination & Storytelling Dates Monday 8th - Friday 12th January 2024 Times Children aged 7-11 9am until 12pm Youth aged 11-17 1pm until 4pm Location Gloucester Senior Citizen Centre 30 Hume St Gloucester Cost Cost is $50 for the week, We accept Creative Kids Vouchers Please pack morning tea for the Children's session Need further detail email Wendy on production@gloucester-arts.com.au Wendy Buswell has taught Drama to students from kindergarten to university level. She has worked as a director in amateur and semi-professional theatre. Mary Ross is an experienced Drama teacher. Her experience ranges from Drama Festivals, Creative Arts Camps, Gifted and Talented workshops, to classroom Drama.

Drama for Young People 6-9 years
Sunday 7 January 2024
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of drama with our upcoming after school program 'Drama for Young People'. Designed specifically for 6–9-year-olds, this 5-week workshop series will ignite imaginations and nurture creativity every Friday afternoon from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Led by experienced instructors, each session will be packed with engaging activities aimed at building confidence, refining performance techniques, and, most importantly, having a blast! Participants will work collaboratively to develop a short, devised performance, showcasing their newfound skills and talents. Suitable for all beginners to all skill levels. Brought to you by Mid North Coast Community College and proudly funded by the NSW Government, this program promises to be a highlight of your child's week. Don't miss out—reserve your child's spot today and watch them shine on stage!" Seniors Citizen Centre - 30 Hume St- Gloucester 6–9-year-olds 3.30pm - 4.30pm Friday 15th March Friday 22nd March Friday 5th April Friday 12th April Friday 19th April

Taree Artists
Thursday 4 January 2024
Artists of Taree
About the Artists
The Artists of Taree are all skilled in different mediums, oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolour. Each has a distinctive personal style that both captures and expresses, spirit and atmosphere.
Much of there inspiration is derived from the region of the Mid North Coast of NSW. A diverse and picturesque Australian landscape, that culminates beautiful coastal areas and river systems of the Manning Valley, Great Lakes, Gloucester, Barrington Ranges and Cattai Wetlands. All of which are home to a diverse array of birds and wildlife, often depicted in the art of the Artists of Taree.
‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see’
“Edgar Degas”. (1834-1917)

Drama for Young People 10-15 years
Monday 1 January 2024
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of drama with our upcoming after school program 'Drama for Young People'. Designed specifically for 10–15-year-olds, this 5-week workshop series will ignite imaginations and nurture creativity every Friday afternoon from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Led by experienced instructors, each session will be packed with engaging activities aimed at building confidence, refining performance techniques, and, most importantly, having a blast! Participants will work collaboratively to develop a short, devised performance, showcasing their newfound skills and talents. Suitable for all beginners to all skill levels. Brought to you by Mid North Coast Community College and proudly funded by the NSW Government, this program promises to be a highlight of your child's week. Don't miss out—reserve your child's spot today and watch them shine on stage!" Seniors Citizen Centre - 30 Hume St- Gloucester 10–15-year-olds 4.30pm - 5.30pm Friday 15th March Friday 22nd March Friday 5th April Friday 12th April Friday 19th April

AGM 2023
Sunday 31 December 2023
2023 has seen a return to normal after the upheaval of Covid. Two players productions, That's Amore and Mayhem,with some of the usual players but also introducing some new talent (and maybe a little more class??) into the live theatre space for Gacci. The gallery is booked into 2025 with some familiar faces but also some innovative, new artists. PIX in the Sticks has seen some really amazing photography and, most pleasingly, many new (and diverse) competitors. Gacci continues to bring in some fantastic music and workshops. Most satisfying, has been the professionalism of our administrator, Charlie, who makes things happen.
However, in the vein that you are only as good as your last performance, we want more. We need to grow, challenge and try more adventures! Gacci wants your ideas, energy and artistry, to make 2024 as good as Gloucester can handle. In the words of that immortal philosopher, Dave Windred, "Lets get into it"
2023 Committee
President: James Hooke
Vice President: Dave Keen
Secretary: Jenny Lindsay
Treasurer: Carly-Ann Lethbridge

As I See It
Thursday 7 December 2023
Fred Bullen joined his local art society on the Mid North Coast when he moved from Sydney 15 years ago and he's never looked back. He started with traditional landscapes on canvas, then moved onto large format boards for abstract works, often with very heavily textured surfaces. His inspiration comes from the local bush and beach which are then reproduced in one of many styles such as ‘abstracted realism’. He has won awards for his works which are currently displayed in galleries in Forster, Taree and Port Macquarie as well as local cafes. He also enters his work in the regional annual agricultural shows and art society Art Exhibitions. As much as Fred enjoys the challenge of painting a wide variety of subjects using an equally wide range of techniques, his greatest pleasure comes from hearing that an artwork has unlocked a heartfelt memory for the viewer.

Paco Lara Flamenco Trio
Saturday 25 November 2023

Bound for Home
Thursday 9 November 2023

Mountains to Sea
Thursday 12 October 2023

Gloucester Artists' Spring Exhibition
Thursday 14 September 2023
The Gloucester Artists formally the Gloucester Art Society was established back in the 60’s with members coming and going over all those years. Currently we have over 30 members and meet in the School of Arts Rooms above the Gloucester Gallery the first Monday and third Monday of each month, excluding December and January. Workshops from various teaching artists arrive during the year covering most mediums. Occasionally a paint out day is organised and we all brave the weather and paint together. The last one being Falls Ridge Winery which was fun with lunch and some wines to top off the day. Every Spring we have a group show in the Gloucester Gallery for anyone who is a member to participate. Bi Annually we have organised and sponsored a Local Portrait Competition for any artists in the Gloucester area painting any local who lives here. On occasion we meet and show each other our work even if we have not been painting together. It’s nice to see what other artists are creating. Check out Gloucester Artists on Facebook to see what is happening and what has been happening.

Blanch & Granger "Suite Mágica"
Saturday 26 August 2023

Pix From The Stix
Wednesday 23 August 2023

Pix From The Stix
Thursday 17 August 2023

Spectrums of Colour and Country
Thursday 20 July 2023

A Cultural Exhibition
Thursday 22 June 2023

May-Hem
Friday 26 May 2023

Blossoms & Oranges
Thursday 25 May 2023

That's Amore
Wednesday 17 May 2023

Country Lines
Thursday 27 April 2023

Here and There
Thursday 30 March 2023

Coast to Country
Thursday 2 March 2023

Faces You May Have Met
Saturday 4 February 2023
Faces You May Know.... A portrait competition for residents of the Midcoast Council area. The subjects must be living within the 2422 postcode. Works can be any medium, excluding photographs. Works can be on any surface that is flat – e.g. on stretched canvas, paper, cloth, glass. Maximum size 18” x 24” or 45cm x 60cm. They are to be unframed. Works on paper can be matted and covered in clear plastic for protection. Stretched Canvas or other works that can’t be ‘pegged’ must be ready for hanging with hooks and wires. Entries must be registered with the Gloucester Art Society by 15th January 2023. Contact Tracey Murrell bartra@bigpond.com or ph 6558 3154 or Jean Buettel jbuettel@gmail.com ph. 0421 082 594 for terms and conditions. The works will all be covered and unveiled one by one on the ‘Unveiling Night’

Bucketts to Beach
Thursday 5 January 2023

AGM 2022
Saturday 31 December 2022
GACCI has had a more traditional 2022 without covid-19 closures. GACCI Players put on two shows 'The 39 Steps' and 'That's Amore'. The Gloucester Gallery ran 12 exhibitions with the help of volunteers. Photography and visual art workshops were held as was the 'Pix from the Stix' photographic contest . GACCI also supported musical performances from 'Hidden Strings' and the 'Nexas Saxaphone Quartet'.
2022 Committee
President: Anne Keen
Vice President: Mo Hjorth
Secretary: Jenny Lindsay
Treasurer: Carly-Ann Lethbridge

AGM 2021
Friday 31 December 2021
We’ve had a very interesting year, yet again due to covid-19. Gallery had forced closure again but also one of the best exhibitions ever. We endeavoured to run the youth workshops, heavily impacted by covid-19. Kids interested for next year. GACCI Player November production cancelled. Made a shift with the gallery director position to an arts administrator role. Art workshops were successful but also impacted by covid-19. Big plans for the future. I’m very excited about it. New volunteers, new members and lots of new ideas.President: Anne Keen
Vice President: Mo Hjorth
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: Carly-Ann Lethbridge

AGM 2018
Monday 31 December 2018
Well, what a year!
No-one could say we have a boring committee ! From the ongoing (and expected!) excellence of the gallery and it’s workshops, a slowly evolving Pix in the Stix, a Boisterous Big Night In, and a challenging May play (Murder, stockings and suspenders) Gacci has achieved a lot this year. On behalf of the members, and the general arts loving community of Gloucester, much clapping a of hands and effusive praise! Thank You
Our small group, supported by countless volunteers, artists, actors and musicians, has been energetic and determined in carrying out our objective : to facilitate, develop and grow , the arts in our community. We have advanced our relationship with council and thus strengthened our financial position. We have also worked hard ourselves, in raising funds to continue our aims.
I have enjoyed (mostly!) the challenge of this position, as well as the ideas that often race around our meetings. They are thought provoking and stimulating, sometimes fiery, never boring!. I thank all of the executive for the work done at home, behind the scenes, that keeps us going. You make us look professional, engaged and vibrant.
I encourage the group to widen our appeal and our offerings. From perhaps country banjo players to the temptations of the sensual . From private intimate portraiture , to loud street art and interaction with main street business. To try new things.
I know you want to do it......President: James Hooke
Vice President: Chris Steele
Secretary: Anne Keen
Treasurer: Georgia Britton