Heavenly Beverley : Stepping Up a Gear.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Stepping Up a Gear.

We had, quite illogically, hoped for a quieter day on the home front. Yeah right. We had an inspection of the House that Rocks at 1 pm, so the house had to be as clean as possible and the Three Stooges Removed from the Scene.

Once again, the Beagle was the cause of annoyance this morning. Standing on our back verandah, I spotted the naughty little dog outside our yard and on her way to Timbuktu. Upon calling, she trotted back quite amiably, entering through an excavation worthy of an Academy Award for cunning and perseverance. I looked at her with an exasperated expression and she returned my gaze, as innocent as ever. She really is as thick as two short planks. She honestly was confused when I tied her up without a word.

Difficulty to engage was a major issue this morning. I reluctantly left my chair to begin bringing the house to order. Romola came over for a welcome distraction. Michael departed with the canine fools, as did Romola. Suddenly, I only had an hour to finish the housework and have a shower.

I moved like a shower of sparks. The only task I didn't finish was putting away the washing, so I hid the basket next to our bed out of sight. As per usual, the inspection was over before we had a chance to draw breath and we were left, slightly deflated. At least, they turned up and looked at the house.

I returned home, picked up the vacuum cleaner and returned to the Gallery. I cheered up immediately. The Gallery Giftshop is looking fabulous and we have more stock to come. Beverley V has delivered her felt hats, a beautifully warm vest and a delicious silk and felt wrap and scarf - red, of course.

Bespoke Ceramics have added more pieces to the display case, which is now bulging with exquisite and quirky examples of their art.

And Peter Pickering, friend and photographer, has brought in some old framed prints featuring polo scenes.

I had a long and pleasing phone call with Geraldton artist, Shirley Gillis. Shirl, as she prefers to be known, was previously very active in the Beverley arts scene. Now she and her husband are preparing to build a house in Beverley and we are fortunate enough to be gaining some of her paintings in time for the Expansion Exhibition.

Finally, we are launching a brand new initiative, especially for our younger guests. Bespoke ceramics have provided little bisque packs of animals, birds, frogs, teddies and cottage figures. For minimal cost, kids are welcome to buy a pack or packs and sit to decorate their treasures at the rear of the Giftshop. The East End Gallery will be offering the paint, the brushes and the work table for a small charge or paint packs are available to take home for only five dollars. So whilst mums and dads are browsing in the Gallery or the Giftshop, the kids will be happily creating their own artwork.

We keep hearing about new artists, which is fantastic. We seem to have hit the artistic pot of gold in this part of the Wheatbelt.

Roll on to the Expansion Exhibition!