Heavenly Beverley : Another (Extra) Ordinary Week @ the East End Gallery.

I'm back in the saddle. I'm loving being in the Front-of-House chair orchestrating our beloved Gallery. I feel rather like James Tiberius Kirk (without the corset) at the controls of the Enterprise. We are almost through the Labour Day long weekend, a curious public holiday here that the rest of Australia ignores. South Australia, the Australia Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania enjoy obscure holidays in their own states next Monday. The Northern Territory has its Labour Day in May, whilst Queensland celebrates their Labour Day in October. Is it just me, or are Australian public holidays geared around the good weather, so we can all escape to the Great Outdoors? Hmmm...

Anyway, I've digressed. The early autumn days here in Heavenly Beverley have been absolutely perfect for our Gallery. And we've welcomed a steady stream of guests - some new, some returning.
In between the final touches to bring Station House into order, Michael and I have been in and out of the Gallery, sharing the load of both our establishments. I know I'm boasting, but I reckon we are a brilliant team.

Thursday was quiet, so I began the long-overdue process of editing and updating the website. New artists, new works and the Gallery is once more bursting at the seams. And we wouldn't have the Gallery any other way. We love being able to offer a wide range of original art and items from our artists and artisans. We believe our Gallery truly has that special something for everybody.

Friday started with a trickle of sales. One of Paper Mountains' exquisite origami cards, two of Mandy Evans' wildflower cards. Then a rush. Over the last two days, what began slowly then accelerated, much to our delight for our artists. Denese Borlini's colourful pastel owl "Solomon" and David Lillico's stunning stained glass kookaburra are both on layby. Kim Allison's Oddball Journal and one of Michelle Rothwell's glass paperweights disappeared out the door to new homes, one of Michael's spiders is on her way to Switzerland, the pretty little cross stitch "Fluttering Chicks"snapped up and lastly this afternoon, a beautiful felt and silk scarf by Beverley V was purchased as a birthday gift. I also confirmed Brian Aylward's stunning pastel "Beach Path" is on layby with a guest who visited before Christmas. "Enigma" is also waiting to be picked up by a young man who also visited with his mum and aunt before Christmas along with another two spiders!

Whew. We also had a wonderfully intimate Sundowner last evening with guests Robin and Joel, local artist Greg and legendary Beverley singer Julie with her charming husband who we have nicknamed Dave the Brave. Later on, artist Mandy, partner Ian and Ian's parents dropped in for a cheery hello. Mandy was thoroughly pleased to receive her proceeds. Finally Boof, brother of fabulous artist Shane Moad wandered in, promising to return. Which he did, today with Shane. Always a pleasure. So far, tomorrow means chasing the "Sunshiny" Jane Gates for four of her tee shirts.

And the moral of this story? Never assume the art piece of your dreams will always be in the East End Gallery when you hope to make it yours. After three years, we are becoming better known. Former guests are telling their friends, new guests are coming in and walking out with one of our original art works. And summer is almost through her last gasp, promising milder days before a crisp plunge into winter. Which is why we have an open fire.

Our next Sundowner is on Saturday 31 March. As ever, we will be open for our guests to enjoy the Gallery into the night. I have already booked Jan George (with her divine Nina Simone voice) and Luke Blanch on bongos. Guy Slingerland and Lawrence Jones have just been duly asked for their availability with promises of vino and nibbles.

So what are you all waiting for? Come up and see us sometime...with many thanks to Mae West.