Last week I returned from an overseas holiday to a briefing from our Secretary. I’d only been gone for a fortnight but it seemed more like a month – so much had occurred! The most important news was that it was going to be a big weekend in town. Not only was Yea’s Autumn Fest scheduled for Sunday, a separate event entitled Kicking Up The Dust was being arranged for Saturday afternoon and night. Don’t let anyone tell you that country towns are quiet.
The implication for us was that the 100k North @ Marmalades gallery needed a refresh. Some items had been sold, some had been repossessed by their owners, and we still had more items in our stock room than we could possibly show. I rendezvoused with Curatorial Committee representative Gary, and the two of us pondered what should go where. Five new paintings from Jo Bacher prompted much discussion among staff and bystanders; discussion is a good thing, so we hung them all. Some hand-painted silk scarves by Susan Goldsmith presented us with a display challenge; they’re eye-catching but awkward to display. We wanted to have them near Simone Gibney’s gorgeous earrings, but they needed to be secured because they’re so slippery … it’s amazing how much time passes when you’re trying to solve little problems like that. Eventually Mrs Cluey came to the rescue with a metal rack that probably once held postcards; it was absolutely perfect for tying the scarves around. A healthy community solves problems by sharing ideas around, and this was very much the case with displaying the scarves.
Saturday night’s dinner was provided by the Macedonian-Australian community. While bands played onstage nearby, the volunteers prepared something like 750 meals for the thronging crowds from Yea, Glenburn, Flowerdale and other surrounding areas. It was a wonderful chance to eat good food and catch up with seldom-seen friends. Then on Sunday I was at the gallery by 9am to hang a couple of late arrivals (paintings, not artists!) and arrange for positioning of some new photographs from Margo Oliver. Then it was out into High Street where I enjoyed treats from the stalls, bought a very attractive hat for only $10, took a look at the newly-opened skate park and enjoyed Tim Rogers and his band immensely.
Marmalades Cafe – and thus the gallery – was busy throughout the weekend. Everyone I spoke with was tired but happy. Fortunately not too tired, because we had a Vocal Nosh gathering on Monday night. The arts never stop in Yea!