Friday 2 April 2021

Heavenly Beverley Blasts Off!

Easter 2021 is upon us. What a difference from last year, when Western Australia had been locked down due to COVID 19 and there was much tension throughout the year. Fast forward to now. Coronavirus is still decimating so much of the world, but we have been relatively unscathed here. Our hugely popular premier even announced a snap lockdown during the opening week of the school term and his approval rating actually increased. Here in the Wild West, we are often a tad contemptuous of the so-called "Wise Men" from the Eastern States, disliking pomposity being dished up by politicians who know nothing about our side of the continent.

Anyway, I've digressed, as usual. Last night saw the opening of the Beverley 52nd annual Art Exhibition with its associated Art Prize. Over four hundred artworks were on display, including Michael's 3D Mixed Media efforts. I am delighted to report that his "A Miner's Gamble" was awarded a Highly Commended notation. However, Beverley's own Jan George won Best Local Artist of 2021, to compliment an earlier recognition of her talent in 2019.

Beverley was rocking and we were only at the starting post. We retired home after the excitement of the exhibition's opening, enjoyed a glass of vino in our courtyard on a splendidly warm autumn night and retired to the boudoir. I kid you not - we were asleep in seconds.

Good Friday began with our marvellous daughter, Vanessa, arriving with a luxury new dog bed for Pip and Stella (with cushion and toys), an extra heater for our spare bedroom, another fan for the Gallery (exceedingly welcome), gourmet dog dishes and a large water bowl. These were left over from her brief ownership of a Greyhound, which unfortunately proved to be too demanding for her. After Stella calmed down, she was thrilled to see Vanessa, as was Pip. The kittens regarded her with curiosity, Suey designing to allow her to stroke his regal coat. Then she was off again and we prepared to head for the Gallery.

Today has been an eclectic mix of lots of guests punctuated by a slower pace which has offered me the opportunity to catch my breath. Being very warm and humid once more, I must admit to the need for a short Nannie Nap after I close up the Gallery this afternoon. I plan to take the opportunity to snooze as tomorrow promises to be very busy, with our Card Demo with Kim between 1 pm and 4 pm, followed by our Famous Sausage Sizzle and Sundowner from 5.30 pm. Live music kicks off at 6.30 pm (or when our musos arrive). As ever, we are looking forward to a marvellous evening filled with entertainment, great company, shared plates and a chance to peruse the East End Gallery at leisure.

In the last few days, I have taken current photos of the Gallery and Giftshop plus images of the Beverley Art Exhibition. Since the judges have pronounced their decisions, I am now at liberty to share them online.

Wondering about plans for Easter Saturday/Sunday/Monday. The Art Exhibition continues all long weekend at the Town Hall. We are open in the Gallery all long weekend. The latest Artist in Residence at the Station, Howard Lalor, will be open for Saturday/Sunday. Markets also on both days. The Visitors' Centre open on Saturday and Sunday. Dead Finish Museum open Sunday. Barry Ferguson's Vintage Machinery open Saturday/Sunday/Monday. And who could forget the 87th Annual Beverley Tennis Tournament playing until Monday? Or grab a glider flight in one of those sleek and silent flying machines. And we offer hungry and thirsty visitors two pubs, a cafe and a bakery.

We had a couple from Roleystone (a Perth Hills suburb) in the Gallery today. Contemplating traffic jams heading north and south, they chose to come east instead to Heavenly Beverley.

So, jump into your vehicle of choice and head over the hills to our great little town. Be Very Beverley. Be Very You...


Riley and Michael moving "A Beverley Mandala"





Easter Art Exhibition in the Town Hall -





























Giftshop wall...


"Kamakaze" by Deb Spinks...


Beverley Local Artist for 2019/2021 - Jan George...



Anyone for Tennis?!


Up, up and away!


Inside the Visitors' Centre...







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