Strathnairn Arts Centre Open Day and catching up

Today I spent about four delightful hours at the Strathnairn Arts Centre. The centre, based around an old homestead, includes artists studios in converted outbuildings and a lovely cafe. The open day gave me the opportunity to talk to artists about their work - about their inspiration and their techniques. It was also the opening of the Squares 2015 exhibition which included some extraordinarily interesting and exciting work. My personal favourite was a painting of two magpies, with music manuscript forming part of the background. Even if I could have afforded it, someone else got to it before me and it was already sold. 

I spent some more time catching up with old friend Mary and her daughter Tess, who loves photographing food. I also met up with the President of the centre, Alaine, who I used to go to school with a few years ago. 

I can't wait to go and visit the centre again. I guess next time I will have to make do with visiting the cafe (they have a woodfired pizza oven - so this probably won't be a hardship) and the centre shop where they sell works by the artists who have studios there.

Another highlight of the day was meeting the talented Nancy Tingey who is much more than artist. Nancy pioneered an innovative art program back in 1994 for people with Parkinson's disease. Painting with Parkinsons has brought hours of enjoyment to people with Parkinson's disease, and given them a chance to express their creativity. Amazingly concentrating on painting can help reduce tremors. Talking with Nancy was truly inspiring. She's working on a book about the program so keep an eye out for it. 

There was such a sense of community at Strathnairn today - congratulations and thanks to everyone involved.