As the sun began to set and a light fog had fallen on Saturday evening, in a 137-year-old shearing shed 12 kilometres from civilisation were 180 people listening to string instruments, sipping wine and admiring art.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On most occasions, it would be considered the most unlikeliest of scenes.
But on Saturday night it worked.
It was opening night of the St Elmo Art Exhibition called ‘Ducks on the Pond’ – a quirky reference to the coded warning system used by men, usually in shearing sheds, to alert each other female guests are present and, for politeness, they should moderate their language.
The unique event was hosted by the Parkes Action Club as a fundraiser, with club president Gary Somers the owner of the St Elmo Shearing Shed in Job Lane.
It’s been 15 or 20 years since the former Parkes Arts Council and Arts OutWest chairman has helped organise art exhibitions and despite a couple of hiccups new events tend to attract, Gary was very pleased with how the night turned out.
The event was sold out two days prior, with more than 180 people attending the exhibition – several travelling from coastal areas to support their friends and artists showing pieces.
“It was a lovely night...I think the shed raised the occasion,” Gary said.
“The String Family (the night’s entertainment) was superb... Cr Barbara Newton spoke beautifully...and the fire buckets were a big hit.
“It’s a new use we’ve found for it (the shed) instead of it being just a shearing shed.”
With the Action Club collecting 10 per cent commission on artworks and pieces sold at the exhibition, more than $2000 was raised.
Featured artist Pol Cruz from Bogan Gate donated one of his pieces, a ceramic bird bath, for the night’s raffle which generated $1000.
Gary said the idea to hold an art exhibition in the shearing shed came about when he had friends over for dinner one night.
“We’re good friends with Pol Cruz and we were talking about an art exhibition, and I said ‘I have a shearing shed’,” he said.
“That’s how it started.
“An event like this highlights what contemporary artists have to offer in Central West NSW.”
Thanks to the help of a cultural grant from Parkes Shire Council and the support of a number of volunteers, the night was organised.
“It was a different pursuit for the Action Club,” Gary said.
“We’ll have a review, we may make it a biennial event...but we haven’t determined anything [yet].”
Gary wanted to especially recognise the voluntary contribution of lighting and installation artist Jamie Coffill from Condobolin.
“He spent three nights up there getting the lighting right,” he said.
“People don’t really notice lighting but it showcases the art and the shed.
“He went to great lengths to make sure it was lit to the best advantage.”
