ART IN THE WOOLSHED
Bendee Woolshed, 7th June 2015
The Buzz
Once again there was a buzz in the air as crowds came to enjoy Art in the Woolshed 2015. On the 7th June, over 1,100 visitors came to the Bendee woolshed for the one day exhibition, dressed for the winter sunshine and enjoying the freshly mulled wine on offer at the door. During the day refreshments were available with tables set out under the eucalypts, for patrons to sit and enjoy the delightful sound of folk music provided by Penny Davies & Roger Ilott.
The Artwork
A mix of traditional & contemporary artwork displayed against the mellow timber walls and hessian backdrops intrigued visitors and sales were excellent. How exciting it was for those exhibiting for the first time to sell their very first piece.
Also displayed within the shed was a range of handcrafted timber furniture, raku pottery and forged steel.
The Craftwork
A wonderful range of wool and wool garments in rich and varied colours attracted visitors delighted to find pure hand crafted wool in this lovely old woolshed.
Also on offer in the marquee were felted hats, silk scarves, cards and timber toys to name just a few.
Added interest was provided by artisans demonstrating their skills in spinning wool, lead-lighting as well as glass bead making.
Donation to Angel Flight
The success of the day, the generous support of the raffle and the donation taken as visitors entered the gate enabled the Traprock Group to give $3000 to Angel Flight.
The day was an opportunity for artists to show their work, for visitors to appreciate their skill & to buy unusual art & craft work, & of course to enjoy the company of friends.
Thank you to all those Traprock members & friends who worked so hard to make the day happen.
Location
Bendee is situated 20 minutes west of Stanthorpe. From Stanthorpe, take the Texas Road heading west for 22kms. Turn left down the Springdale Lane, travel for 9kms. The Bendee woolshed will be on your left. Click here for Map to Bendee.
History
Art in the Woolshed was first held in 1997 to provide a venue for members, friends and invited artists and artisans to display their work in the form of a social gathering, and what better venue than of course a woolshed, to reflect the history of wool production in the Traprock area.
That first event held at the Pikedale Shearing shed was a huge success and generated much support and creativity within our ‘Traprock’ community and far beyond. This year Art in the Woolshed is being held for the second time at the 87 year old Bendee shed. This working shearing shed is situated on Springdale Road, amongst the original timber sheep yards & lovely eucalypts.
Whilst this exhibition is a tremendous social gathering it is also a very successful retail event for the artists. We also hope that it serves to promote the quality work of not only the better known artists, but will help to uncover some talent from the isolation and obscurity of the bush. This, in conjunction with the larger view of further promotion of the Granite Belt area makes the efforts of the volunteers providing this exhibition truly worthwhile.