Red is an Eastern King parrot, native to New South Wales and Victoria. His relatives are prolific in the Blue Mountains. Hence, the title - "the Kid from Katoomba". He was bred, along with his siblings, by our next-door neighbour Lorna, when we were living at the House that Rocks. Lorna was hand-rearing Red when she parted company with her third husband. He was offered to us and we accepted - the bird, not the husband.
Red is, is many ways, the archetypal Australian bloke. He has appalling table manners, is noisy, rude and argumentative, only chats when he chooses, is extremely handsome and incredibly vain. On leaving the House that Rocks last December, he rapidly became our Gallery bird as his ear-splitting squeals proved quite uncomfortable within the confines of the Hovel.
After wintering in Station House, Red has returned to his Summer Residence in the East End Gallery. Rather like the Romanovs, he moves from one location to another, dependant on the season. He will stay in the Gallery until next autumn, when the nights become too chilly and we will return him to the heating of Station House. Yes, I know. We are complete suckers.
We were preparing the Gallery for one of the major events on Beverley's calendar - the Beverley Heroic this weekend. We have placed new metal and wood sculptures by the outstanding artist, Andrew Taylor. "Renee's Ascent", "Renee's Descent" and "Summer Holidays" are extraordinary art pieces with a cycling theme.
This afternoon, we also welcomed Heroic participant Colin and his penny farthing. The size of this primitive bicycle and the skill of the rider are almost unbelievable. The penny farthing will be displayed in the Gallery until 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
Jan George has left only two of her precious hard cover books for a trial in the Gallery. "Glimpses from the Road" are available in postcard and A4 sized books with all the series of paintings with the associated haiku poems. As Jan's single postcards are $2 each, the hard cover books at $45 and $65 are very good value. If you come in to view Jan's books, you will be enchanted. Ideal Christmas gifts.
Latest artist Leah from Doodenanning, has produced a series of bath teas, which may also be used as pot pourri. Leah has used herbs from her own garden, as well as imported herbs from countries such as Egypt, to create seven beautiful teas for rejuvenating and soothing tired, sore and unwell bodies.
At a special introductory price of $20 per package - equivalent to four or five baths - Leah's bath teas are exceptionally presented with all information and ingredients.
We now have fifty-three artists in the East End Gallery. At times, we can barely believe how far we have come. We are living the dream, sharing the passion and honouring our artists.
But don't just take my word for this. Take a day trip out of Perth and come and visit the East End Gallery.
Michael, Colin and penny farthing
Colin's "bicycle"
Some of Andrew Taylor's sculptures on plinths in the Giftshop
Young Red
Red Red with HelpXer Simon Hoff
"Punk Pink" by Jan George
Renee's Ascent
No comments:
Post a Comment