A new exhibition from artist and educator Nita Rosher celebrates the people, local agriculture and vibrant landscape of the Childers region.
‘Telling Stories’ opens at Childers Arts Space on Saturday 11 July, with the artist to also host a sketching workshop during Childers Festival and an artist talk in August.
As a longtime resident of Corbalba, Nita said her connection with the Childers region has been paramount to her art practice.
“My art practice is predominately based on sketches from daily life,” Nita said.
“It all begins with drawing.
“The region’s vibrant and textured landscape awakened my sense of colour and spatial awareness which enticed me to explore other mediums, such as painting, printmaking and, for a time, ceramics.”
Nita will share her passion for the region and the inspiration she takes from observations of daily life at her ‘Childers Sketchbook’ workshop, as part of this year’s Childers Festival.
“At any workshop I facilitate, having fun with lots of giggles and social connection is paramount,” she said.
“We reconnect with our inner child and throw away the eraser.
“Instead, we carefully observe our subject and quickly sketch only what we see, using organic lines and shapes.
“After a couple of warm up exercises participants will head down to our busy main street to develop a series of sketches capturing snapshots of daily life in our picturesque town from their unique perspective.
“Upon returning to the gallery participants will be given the opportunity to refine and embellish their artworks with watercolour pencils or paints.”
Visitors can also take inspiration from Nita’s exhibition, ‘Telling Stories’, which explores her creative journey and encompasses drawing, painting and printmaking.
“It is a privilege, and fitting, to have my artwork showcased at Childers Arts Space,” Nita said.
“‘Telling Stories’ pays respect to the wonderfully diverse aspects of country and community life.
“The laid-back lifestyle, agriculture, vibrant scenery, significant historical and social moments, beautiful wildlife and of course some colourful characters, all of which enriches community life.”
Childers Sketchbook with Nita Rosher
When: Thursday 23 July, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Childers Arts Space
Cost: $30. Under 25s $15
All skill levels welcome. All materials provided. Booking required.
Telling Stories exhibition
When: 11 July to 6 September
Where: Childers Arts Space
Opening event: Saturday 11 July, 2 – 4 pm
Art walk: Wednesday 5 August, 10 am All welcome, no booking required for opening event or art walk.
