Another Smashing Saturday Sundowner

Our wine and cheese nights at the East End Gallery are gathering a like-minded crowd of regulars and gaining a reputation for entertainment and enjoyment. Alas, we did not have live music at last night's Sundowner, unless you count the ditty sung by the fabulous Jan George. What we did have was the congenial company, excellent vino, nibbles for all, beautiful art and a roaring fire. Really, the East End Gallery was the place to be.

Our first two arrivals were Jan and her artist friend Ross, who was visiting from Perth. Jan is an artist of exceptional talent, who draws, paints, sculpts and experiments. She and friend Pat Rose run the Artists' Revolution Studio and Gallery in Northam. She is also a genuine diva with a gloriously sultry singing voice and plays the guitar.

Ross is still somewhat of a mystery man. I know he is an artist, but he has yet to display his work in my general direction. As he is frequently in Beverley, staying with Jan and her partner Greg, I may investigate supergluing him to a chair until he becomes a bona fide Wheatbelt artist.

Amy Cummins, an articulate and engaging young woman, brought some of her artwork to share with us. Amy's art is edgy and intense and she already has a great dollop of artistic talent. And she is still only twenty-two years of age.

Builder John and his delightful partner Jacqueline were there as well. Her daughter Kelsey and daughter-in-law Kerryanne had been in the gallery earlier in the day, along with their two exceptionally well-behaved daughters and Jacqueline for a browse.

I believe John may have found us all a tad eccentric as he made a quick getaway before the final curtain fell on the evening. Jacqueline, who sews exquisitely, stayed until the end of a very pleasant soiree.

Other guests include Mister Bob Johnson and his charming companion Gail. I hope we see more of them this year as they fitted instantly into our crowd and Gail stocked up of some of Beverly V's felt and silk creations - a hat and a scarf. She looked absolutely stunning. Bob had scrubbed up pretty well himself and renewed his promise to paint salt lakes on the floor of the Giftshop sometime in the future.

Jennie Couper arrived without Sandy, but with one of our paintings that he had reframed. "Bird of Paradise", now cleaned and reframed in shimmery gold, took my breath away. And Jennie brought a stunning new work of hers, "Toodyay Truck" to hang in the East End Gallery. Come and take a peek at this painting and you will not be disappointed.

Greg Burley, a man about town and Jan's partner, arrived to inform Jan and Ross that the roast dinner was ready for consumption back at their house. Like Cinderella, Greg had been tied by apron strings to their kitchen, producing an excellent meal. Actually, I think he quite enjoyed the peace and quiet! I am still waiting for some of Greg's art to grace the walls of the East End Gallery. He is an artist that certainly provokes thought and discussion.

And thus ended an exceedingly successful Sundowner. Throwing everyone out after nine o'clock, the metal artist and I then retired to bed, feeling very pleased with ourselves.

PS the next Sundowner will be on the Saturday afternoon of 23 September. Make sure this date is recorded!

Michael, Ross and Jan.

Mister Bob, Jan and Amy, all very animated.

Amy, Gail (resplendent in hat and scarf) and Jennie.

Jacqueline, John (he's the confused one!), Greg, Ross and Mister Bob.

"Toodyay Truck" by Jennie Couper. 

"Bird of Paradise" beautifully reframed by Sandy Couper of Chumley's Picture Framing.