Quite A Week...Culminating In Our Splendidly Sophisticated Saturdays Launch!

Last week was chaotic and exhausting. There is no way to describe the previous seven days as anything but...

However, the fantastic news is that we have begun a new initiative in the East End Gallery. Splendidly Sophisticated Saturdays are to be a feature on our calendar for the rest of 2025. Think superbly crafted cupcakes by "Beyond Compare" partnered with your choice of teas and plunger coffee. We are offering this opportunity to support another small enterprise, providing a culinary experience on Saturdays to tantalise your taste buds!  

In addition, we are launching the Beverley Artisans Working Party in order to collaborate positively with our Shire. We hope that this cooperation will result in better outcomes for all artisans living and working in Beverley. Our first meeting is on Thursday 3 July. All artists and artisans in Beverley are welcome.

The Gallery continues to be an evolving entity. We have welcomed The Twisted Strand's leather products and found spots to showcase his beautiful wallets, a coin purse and bangles. The promotion of Splendidly Sophisticated Saturdays prompted me to release a coffee table of two to accommodate delicate crockery and delicious morsels. Hence, yet another revamp of the East End Gallery was conducted to enable this goal to be achieved!

Michael has completed his newest piece - "In The Mix", a tribute to the humble hand beater, another labour saving device that changed women's lives in the kitchen. A perfect and extraordinary artpiece by award winning Wheatbelt metal sculptor Michael Sofoulis to hang in your kitchen. 

Well, just don't take my word for the exquisite delights of the East End Gallery. turn your vehicle of choice towards Beverley and take a day trip from the Big Smoke to bathe in our fantastic art space.

And Splendidly Sophisticated Saturdays, being indoors, will continue - rain, hail or shine - for the remainder of the year. With the open fire to warm the cockles of your heart...

 

 

 

Introducing "In The Mix" by Michael Sofoulis...

 

 

Daryl Storer and The Twisted Thread...

 

 

 

On ya bike! "Riding in Circles" by Michael Sofoulis... 

 

 

 

Pauline Lakstins and Lee Storer...

 

Featuring Michael's first sculpture "The Mask", along with views into the main Gallery...

 

 

 

Such an amazing array of treasures... 

"About Time" - Michael Sofoulis

Jan George

Samantha Connor

Tich Dixon 

Carole Patch and Jean Ross 

Gone Potty

Pat McKie

Arlene Puddy and Kenneth Irwin 

John Firth 

 

 

 

Starry, starry lights with wearable art and a myriad of choices...

 

 

 

Sculptures by Michael Sofoulis

Wood by Rodwoodcraft

Mosaics by Laura Probert... 

 

 

 

Gifts for yourself or that special somebody! 

 

 

 

Michael Sofoulis - "Golden Gears"

Ian Kay - "Toasted"

Daryl Storer wood...

 

 Craig McKeough...

 

 

 

Michael Sofoulis - "Gears"

Ian Kay - "Just Cruising"

Gone Potty

Kenneth Irwin

Lester Bennier...

 

 Sharon Williams...

 

 

 

"Unhinged" - SOLD!

 

 Betty McKeough...

 

 

 

Caine Scott... 

 

Carol Morphett... 

 

 

Jo-Anne Maire/Caine Scott

Tamara Nixon... 

 

 James Rodereda...

 

 So much to see!

 

 Yummy Sweet Treats are actually candles!

 

 These must be the cupcakes! Wrong again, Beeswax candles by Suds and Scents!

 

 

 

Finally, "Beyond Compare" cupcakes... 

 Coupled with beautiful tea and coffee cups for the launch of Splendidly Sophisticated Saturdays!

 

 Michael and I in our beloved East End Gallery 29 June 2025. Photographed by Mister Dale Neill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never, Ever Giving Up. Ever.

I have been so touched by the degree of support, affection and welcome ideas following my frustrated venting of spleen involved in maintaining the viability of our beloved East End Gallery. We are launching an Artisans Working Party on Thursday 3 July, our objective is an action plan going forward and, of needed, an invitation to the Council to assist us, using a written submission as our instrument. 

We have already had a brainstorming session with Bec, Marion and Sue. We have succeeded in taking measures to free our public liability from the building insurance and. we will shortly be sending a waiver to all our artists, requesting they take out their own insurance as we can no longer do so.  

I am actually quite pleased with my social media abilities. I write this blog, post on Facebook (my own and the Gallery pages) and Instagram, write a monthly Mailchimp newsletter and have launched Michael's web page - michaelsofoulisawardwinningwheatbeltartist.com

I don't believe that I need to embark on more and more social media. What I do believe in is tangible solutions -

• signage for all artistic endeavours in Vincent Street and surroundings
• support by the Visitors Centre, the Shire appointed Tourism Officer and the Shire Tourism Liaison in regular reporting by the Visitors Centre and the Shire about all our artisans' activities
• financial incentives for our artisans to advertise ourselves in the Shire produced Beverley Blarney
• promotion of Beverley artisans by the Shire when they hold events  throughout the year, in addition to the events offered by Beverley Station Arts
• the Shire councillors and staff to visit all the artisans in Beverley to appreciate our efforts adding to the cultural and financial status of our town.

That should do as a positive beginning... in that aspect of my life!

I probably would have coped with just this minute aberration if I didn't have other complications crowding in on me, all at once. They revolve around my glorious Autistic Superstar son, Alex. 

To be perfectly clear, Alex is not the issue, in any way, share or form.

A succinct summary of Alex's life -

• born with Tricuspid Atresia, an extremely complex congenital cardiac defect.
• closed heart surgery at 8 weeks of age.
• asthma diagnosis at 13 months of age.
• open heart surgery at 17 months of age. On bypass and probable timing of his stroke. I expressed my concern to the staff at Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne when he was an inpatient. My concerns were ignored.
• diagnosis of developmental delay at 22 months.
• diagnosis of developmental delay and hyperactivity after open heart surgery aged 3 years and 3 months. On bypass and only other possible timing of his stroke.
• Autism suspected at 4 years of age.
• Intensive behavioural programme began at 4 years and 3 months at home.
• Diagnosis of Autism at 4 years and 7 months.
• Speech pathology, OT, physio, structured play, daycare and pre-primary added to his regime.
•  Speech pathology, including the explicit teaching of social skills, continued until Alex finished Year 12.
• Assumed to have normal intelligence through school and completed his WA Certificate of Education.
• Completed Cert II Kitchen Operations, Cert III Baking and Pastry, Responsible Serving of Alcohol and Barista training.
• No mainstream employment ever offered in his chosen field of hospitality.
• Assumption gradually changed to Alex having an intellectual disability.
• NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) enters the scene in 2019.
• Alex's NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)  "plan" commences in October 2019. 
• Ongoing battles to correct misinformation and to address Alex's goals - for him to live safely and independently and achieve his dream of opening his own (microenterprise) drop-in cafe for the disadvantaged. 
• Investigation launched for his "absence spells", initiated by his employer Paraquad. These spells first noticed by me when Alex was 6 years of age. EEG at that age was inconclusive. 
• Extensive testing by Neurosciences and through the application of MRI. Results concluded Alex had experienced a stroke early in his life with significant damage (scarring) to his frontal lobes and cerebellum. The scarring is believed to be the cause of his "absence spells". Deficits caused by the stroke include right sided weakness, extremely slow processing and may have contributed to his scoliosis and feet issues. The combination of his Autism and ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) means that Alex has significant difficulty with daily living skills, decision making, prediction, sequencing, social interactions and functionality.
• The testing also revealed that Alex has normal intelligence, a diagnosis that has changed his life. He no longer regards himself as stupid.
• Alex's neurologist has confirmed that most children undergoing open heart surgery may have an "event" such as a stroke, due to being on bypass. Investigation only begins if deficits are clearly seen.
• Hence, Alex has extremely complex needs that the NDIA is supposed to address through his profile and funding.
• Alex's Acquired Brain Injury should be added to his NDIA profile as an additional diagnosis, given the effects the ABI has had on his life. The NDIA has not done so.
• We had no assistance from Alex's most recent Support Coordinator (the conduit between him and the NDIA). She resigned, referring us to a new Support Coordinator agency who declined, declaring that "we were not a good fit". That agency then referred us onto another agency that could not accept us as Alex's level of Support Coordination was not sufficient...
• My quest has also included finding a Local Area Coordinator who is proactive, nimble and intelligent. A LAC's role is to collect all relevant information for each of their clients, collate that data, prepare their clients' plans to submit to the NDIA, explain the plan's contents to their clients and advise them how they may use their funding, and assist in any changes to a client's current plan. The previous six or seven (who keeps count?!) LACs have not even been adequate in providing us with the guidance we need.
• Today, after yet another pointed diatribe over the mobile to a senior LAC, I think I may have discovered a LAC with a brain. I meet him on 15 July. I am hoping to have a meeting with the rest of Alex's team on 16 July. The LAC has also recommended a Support Coordinator he has complete confidence would be "a good fit". 
• I may have just hit the jackpot...Watch this space.

I am going to take a couple of weeks off to concentrate on me, Michael, home and the Gallery. As long as Alex doesn't end up in hospital in the meantime as he is not very well...

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I never, ever give up. Ever. 

 

 

This is Alex...

 

 

 

This is me in a good mood... 

 

 

This is me in the past week or so... 

 

 

All our lives should be bold...

 

 

 

This is how the NDIS is meant to work... 

This is how the NDIS usually works...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing the correct questions to ask and the correct answers to receive also helps! 

 

 

 

What we want...

 

 

 

What has been of assistance to sleep at night!

 

 

And here is a last word from our sponsor -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Dual Date With The Delicious Doctor Daram - The Dark Knight Of Dermatology!

Let's begin with some completely unbiased details. Daram Singh would have to be one of the most glorious human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. Croation mum and Sikh dad. Think golden skin, the deepest of chocolate eyes with a head of glossy black curls surrounding his face. Throw in some exceedingly sexy glasses and his trademark fitted scrubs and that is the package.

But wait, there's more. Daram is thoughtful, compassionate and an amazing practitioner. He is also witty and chatty. When we first met Daram, Michael had a weird skin stalk next to his lip. Daram saw us three days before Christmas, whipped it off and gave us the desired results before his practice closed on the 24th. So we wouldn't have to worry over the silly season. What a man!

A few months later, I presented to Daram with a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) about the size of a five cent piece on my nose that MoleScan had missed... Amongst all his other talents, he is also a MOHS surgeon. Here is a short synopsis of this procedure (which was all done with a local nose block so only one needle) 

 MOHS surgery is a specialised surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It involves removing thin layers of tissue, examining them under a microscope, and repeating the process until all cancerous cells are removed. This method is particularly effective for cancers in sensitive areas or those with a high risk of recurrence. 

Because Daram had to repeat the process three times during that day, I was looked after by his staff whilst he was examining the tissue, Michael and I were fed and watered and sat in very comfortable recliners in his waiting area. When he declared that all the cancer had been removed with clear margins, he then beautifully re-attached the flap of skin back across my nose with thirty eight stitches. His needlework was absolutely exquisite and the scarring has been minimal.  No general anaesthetic and no skin grafts.

We return to Daram every six months due to my high risk status. I have bellowed like a bull during multiple removals of BCCs and SCCs (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) and sworn like a sailor, causing great amusement for him and his staff. I once told him I didn't like him anymore due to an application of a local anaesthetic for a skin scrape that he likened to "a little prick". I retorted that it was a "big prick"!

For the last two visits, he has only had to burn off my various multitude of pre-cancerous cells. This is a hugely positive step for me. Wednesday saw him check me from the tip of my head to the underside of my feet. In bra and knickers. *sigh* I get to stand, sit and lie down in the presence of the handsomest god on earth and he gets to view every wobbly bit on my body...

After blasting all my could-be-suspicious bits with his liquid nitrogen blow torch (about fifteen of them), he then checked Michael all over. Same state of undress though Michael has yet to succumb to a man-bra! His bloody Greek skin was in prefect order so no insult by the liquid nitrogen was required for him.

I would love to show an image of this truly wonderful Doctor Daram Singh. He joked with us that he doesn't have to put up a profile and photo to attract more work as he is completely packed with patients as it is! That was when he quipped that he was the Dark Knight of Dermatology...I'll have to organise him a tee shirt.

We meet again in early December. I will once have the pleasure of removing the majority of my clothes in front of the Delicious Doctor Daram. 

Have any skin lesions that worry you? Do yourself a favour and get a referral to see him. And if you are that way inclined, bask in his presence! 

 

 

Daram Singh's official profile photograph online! 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dark Knight of Dermatology is here to rescue us!  

 

 

 

 As a leading dermatologist in Murdoch, Dr Singh brings an exceptional blend of expertise and compassionate care to his patients. His commitment to both medical and cosmetic dermatology ensures a holistic approach, prioritising patient wellbeing at every step. Known for his proficiency in Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstructive techniques, Dr Singh stands out for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to achieving optimal outcomes. H has an unwavering passion for dermatology and advocacy for patient education, making him a trusted partner in skin health for the Perth community.

 

PS This is not my review!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cool Days, Warm Fires and Starry, Starry Lights @ The East End Gallery

Winter has arrived in Heavenly Beverley. So far, the weather has been neither too bleak nor too cold. I am heartily sick of the short days, however, that will begin to resolve after 21 June when the daylight hours slowly begin to lengthen again. Thanks to our exceedingly efficient reverse cycle airconditioning at home, we rarely have to worry about feeling chilly. 

The fire in the East End Gallery is also operating very nicely indeed. As we now have one of us present there six days a week, we have begun the habit of placing a fairly decent sized log in the fireplace before we leave in the late afternoon. Hence, we no longer worry about a frigid Gallery when we open the next morning. We have used some additional heating on very cold days but fortunately, those have been few and far between.

We have also moved our club chairs a tad closer to the fireplace, which is facilitating very cosy fireside chats between us. We have taken to enjoying each other's company in our very special space before heading for home, the dogs, dishes, dinner, the fickle fairweather feline and the pugnacious parrot.

The shift to wetter conditions has meant our garden is needing much less attention. Just as well as the Gallery has been exploding with a myriad of works all needing to find positions to be seen, to be loved and to find their way to new homes. 

I have swung between being elated by what we have created and the gnawing fear of being unable to continue due to financial constraints. We are sustained by word-of-mouth and social media. We feel unsupported by the Shire in every possible way. Little assistance or recognition and an insulting business card sized inclusion above Beverley Earthmoving in the tourism booklet. For which we paid $250. I really don't think the Shire has any idea why no artists/artisans/philanthropic enterprises in Beverley are not choosing to "advertise" in the latest edition of their booklet.  The Beverley Station Arts, being non-for-profit receives advertising for no cost. Michael and I would give our back teeth to make any sort of profit...And if we are forced to close due to a lack of funds, many of our artists would have nowhere else to go.

Which is why I am appealing to all our supporters and friends. Please spread the word about the East End Gallery. We are the perfect day trip destination from Perth. Our artspace is filled to the brim with the beautiful, the edgy, the unusual and the thought provoking. We have three artisans permanently with us. All three - Bec, Marion and Michael - are available for our guests to view, to chat, to participate and learn a new craft. Our extended Beverley precinct includes Jodie Edom Nolf's Vincent Street emporium next door to us, Mandy Evans' Art Garden and Kylie Alexis' Lucky Find (fashions, accessories, jewellery and giftware). We work closely with Beverley Station Arts and support their events and the Artist-in-Residence program. We are so proud of our achievements, but we need your help to remain viable.

The great news is that we have recently sold Michael's glorious "Unhinged" and installed the sculpture into its new place of residence. We now have monies tucked away for our rates and about a quarter of our building insurance. Michael is also planning to enter the York Art Exhibition in September and hopefully secure some space at the Collie Gallery. We are by no means giving up without a fight!

From now until November is the ideal time to visit Heavenly Beverley. The green carpet is expanding and by August, the canola will be blasting into a sea of bellow yellow. There is our gentle mountain, Quajibin to climb, the white beach at Yenyening Lakes to explore, the start of the wildflower season in September. We are the home to the Beverley Soaring Society. Our main street is alive with history and amazing murals by James Giddy. We have the Freemasons Tavern, the Red Vault, the Beverley Bakery and the One Tree Cafe to provide food and beverages. We have the Visitors' Centre and the East End Gallery providing tourism information for guests to Beverley. We have Avondale Farm, Ferguson's Machinery Collection and the Dead Finish Museum to provide memorable insights into Beverley's rich historical past.

Michael and I are passionate about our town, our home, our Gallery and our lives here. Michael is a truly gifted and innovative sculptor who doesn't fit the mainstream. He has been sculpting for forty-five years and is continuously pushing the boundaries of his skills and artistic visions. 

We see Beverley as reaching (and even surpassing) our hopes to be an wondrous and eclectic arts hub. There are so many opportunities for creative people to live here and hone their craft. We believe, with some relatively simple steps, that Beverley will be able to achieve this goal and thrive into the future.

And now, without any further ado, here are some up-to-date snippets of our beloved East End Gallery (with some starry, starry lights).... 

 Michael in his Studio, beginning his latest piece, provisionally titled "In The Mix"...

 

 

Installing "Unhinged"...

 

 With a very happy Helen, the purchaser of "Unhinged"...

 

 "I Primus", newly hung along with "Odd One Out" - the sheer brilliance of Michael's story-telling...

 

 

 

Robot Invasion - Jo-Anne Maire... 

 

 

Bags and macrame hangers... 

 

 

Silk kaftans by Kira's Designs... 

 

 

 

 

Pauline Lakstins...

 

 

Halina Halse... 

 

 

Gone Potty and Di Mainwaring... 

 

 

Craig McKeough 

 

 

 

He'd rather be wood-turning...Daryl Storer...

 

 

 

Sweet Treats candles by Colleen Coote... 

 

 

 

Paul Kendall's "El Toro"... 

 

 

Betty McKeough...

 

 

 

Jen Hill and Gone Potty... 

 

 

Earrings, glass, Granny's squares, hats and a cowl! 

 Maria Sofoulis and Mia Schilling...

 

 Brian Aylward, Sharon Williams and a cube bursting with treasures!

 

 

 

David Lillico...

 

 James Rodereda...

 

 Carollyn Rhodes-Thompson...

 

 Deborah Allen...

 

 Peter Allen and Ian Kay...

 

 As promised - here are some starry, starry lights -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what are you waiting for? Hop into your vehicle of choice and head beyond the Hills to Heavenly Beverley!