​Art…Naturally showcases the beauty and creativity of the Preston River Valley

It was a fabulous weekend. Preston River Valley was a vibrant hub of creativity and community. 
 
With four artist studios joining 'Fernbank' open garden and our art exhibition, the Art…Naturally trail did a wonderful job of showcasing our beautiful Preston River Valley and wonderful community.
 
Our textile fine art exhibition held at the Yabberup Hall was an outstanding success. Nearly 100 people gathered on Saturday evening for the judging of the ‘For the Love of Nature’ textile fine art competition.  Congratulations to all the wonderful artists who entered pieces and were exhibited alongside notable Bunbury-Geographe artists Jenni Doherty, Jane Flower , Val Hornibrook  and Helen Seiver. Thank you too, to  internationally renowned Noongar artist Sandra Hill and Ferguson Valley artist Jan Hart  for judging. They were very impressed at the quality and thought that went into the art works exhibited.  
 
First prize was won by Preston River Valley artist, Sally Young for  her piece ‘Natural decay of humanity'. (Pictured in slide show at end)
2nd prize went to Robyn Inkpen for her piece “Warning-bleached coral in a plastic sea”
3rd prize went to Elaine Sheridan for “Next generation”
Special mention was made for Valerie Rowe’s piece, “Respect, Protect, Preserve”
 
As Jan Hart shared, “It was a great pleasure to be involved in Art ...Naturally. A great concept well executed by all involved. The Hall looked a treat with its beautiful floral arrangement at the entrance.  All the objects inside were curated with much thought and consideration and the catalogue was superb. I found the standard very high and with the extra works by accomplished artists to fill the hall it was so interesting to the whole exhibition.  The organiser Fiona Richardson was industrious with her team. The food and drinks were delightful and the atmosphere she created outside for the public and artists was so friendly we all had a great time. It’s been a pleasure for me to see such active and creative people working together to put Preston Valley on the map as a exciting place to enjoy contemporary artisans at their work in some very  interesting studios.” 
 
Thank you to Georgina Richardson who did a great job as curator and to Balingup resident Sean Mitchell who shared his talent and  expertise in lighting and hanging the exhibition. Thank you also to Sam Dixon for being our textile artist in residence on the Saturday.
 
All in all the weekend was a wonderful success. Our event was profiled in the new Found Bunbury-Geographe tourism magazine. The artists Sally Young, Cynthia Dix, Janelle Barnes and Marion Dreaver who opened their studios had a great turn out and the feedback from the community has been great. 
 
"Many thanks to the organisers of this outstanding week-end of art, craft and fellowship.  The organisation was superb, the variety and quality of the work on display was amazing … so many talented people living around us down here … and the atmosphere of friendliness and community spirit was uplifting.” Elizabeth and Russell Docking

On behalf of the Promote Preston team we would like to thank everyone involved.