On Any Given Thursday...

we have been hosting our Artists' Group in the East End Gallery. This is a self-led, peer-supporting enterprise, allowing the artists to work at their own pace, on their own work, whilst gaining encouragement and ideas from the others present. A couple of our group have specifically expressed that they have felt intimidated attending a traditional workshop or class. Hence, the Artists' Group at the Gallery.

Yesterday we had an absolute blast during our group. Len Zuks, Michael's mentor and friend of thirty years, had specifically requested a chance to come to the Artists' Group and see us and the Gallery. We were thrilled that Len would take time out of his busy schedule to visit us and the Gallery.

Len arrived at our house bright and early. We woke ourselves up with morning tea and coffee, feeling somewhat embarrassed that we had still been in bed when he drove up the House that Rocks. A spot of breakfast and a hot drink and we were raring to go.

Len and Michael set off first. By ten o'clock, he was mixing his palette on the table to begin working. Half an hour later, he was busy with a painting of the Pingelly pub, which he had already started, based on a fifteen -year -old photograph.

The developing picture is not a small study at one hundred and twenty centimetres square. Len explained that he uses water-based acrylic paints now to appease his natural impatience, as oil was taking too long to dry. Paint that is quick-drying and flexible makes transport of his works easier by rolling the canvases inside tubes to carry to his many international events.

Lyn, one of our regulars was delighted to learn from Len. She said that the difference was that Len was demonstrating, not teaching. He enthusiastically encouraged her to just have a go, be free with colour and above all, break the rules. By the time he left, Lyn was painting with her fingers. And she was over the moon with her effort.

So far, in 2016, he has exhibited and worked at the Metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo and the one-hundred-and-fiftieth Celebration of the American University of Beirut, which was held in the United Arab Emirates.October will see Len with two painting at the G20 Summit in Guangzhou then off to Beirut for the University's ceremony on 25 November.

Len declared that painting in our Gallery in Beverley with new and old friends was as exciting as anywhere he'd been in the world. He felt at home and home is where the heart is. Really complimentary words by a Boddington Boy.

Naturally, there was still one more unexpected treat for the morning. Marlon, an old friend of Len's from Boddington, was in town and wandered into the Gallery. He stayed and chatted for quite some time, as he and Len caught up on their shared memories.

Whenever we have a completely surprising occasion like this, I shake my head in wonder. There is something about the East End Gallery that draws people inside. I believe our Gallery is special. Maybe because we had to fight to save the building, there is a glow, a love, a joy about the Gallery. We often are told about the welcoming atmosphere from our guests and this is so rewarding for us.

I guess this is one of the reasons we get up every morning.

So, come up and see us this long weekend and experience the East End Gallery.

Our artist in residence for the day, Len Zuks, with Michael and Shane Moad, another of our fabulous artists

and with old friend, Marlon, who just happened to be passing

"are you talking to me..."

Len just such works at a rapid pace

with Lyn Isaacs

another work in progress

and more progress

and more...

the Pingelly pub of old...

Lyn having a wonderul play with colour...

but wait there's more!

tha aftermath...

"Have fun, be free with colour and break all the rules!" Len with his paintings "Pilbara Poetry" and "Antipodean Reward" on the wall behind him in the East End Gallery.