The Beat Goes On...

The East End Gallery is our pride and joy, our passion and purpose.  Buying the Forbes Building back in July 2012 was a stroke of genius on Michael's part. He really could see her beauty under the crumbling, stinky, neglected mess. I saw the light in his eyes after a challenging couple of years and followed his lead without much protest.

What followed was half-tragedy and half-comedy. Tackling the renovation was bloody daunting. Michael kept persevering with the able assistance of his second-in-command Gary when we could afford to pay him. The excavation of the underground water storage tank onsite in April 2014 resulted in Michael nearly dying from double pneumonia. Then the restoration of the workshop was almost completed when Michael went to hospital with a chest infection in November 2014. And the replacement of the floor was just about done when Michael went to hospital with yet another chest infection in August 2015. This was becoming tedious...

Winter 2016 was a turning point. A troublesome bout of bronchitis was held at bay with infusions of IV antibiotics. Winter 2017 we were away on our Queensland Odyssey for three weeks with only one infection that was rapidly knocked on its head. Winter 2018 saw us head for the Pilbara for another four weeks and Michael scored an A+. No infections!

So, we are making plans for next winter. Six weeks away from the cold for a spot of fossicking and lots of relaxation. A chance to refresh and revitalise. No set routine or plan. The northwest warmth to enjoy.

In the meantime, the East End Gallery continues to grow. We have remained true to our ideal of supporting Wheatbelt artists. They fill our space with only a few notable exceptions. Those who don't reside in this part of Western Australia have a personal connection with us. Or, even more exciting, the Gallery now has the addition of the works of several of Beverley Station Arts' Artists-In-Residence. We are trying to meet all the artists who choose to come to Beverley for a week, two weeks, a month or longer. We will be properly meeting Susan and Jen, the current artists-in-residence in a few days, and be introduced to and appreciate their art.

We approach the Gallery's fourth birthday, eight years in Beverley and seven years married. We continue to be living our dream.

"Antipodean Delight" - Len Zuks

Lamp base and shade - Gary Dodge

"Pansies" - Janet Robertson

Mauve hat - Beverley V

"Wisteria" - Wendy Lewer

"North Cott": - Karyn Ellis

"Chinese Iris" - Jan George

Journals - Kim Allison

"The Goldfields in my Garden" - Michael Sofoulis

Leadlights - David Lillico

Wood and Resin - Gary Dodge

Giftshop Kaleidoscopes -

"Gypsy-Rose" by Asta Lander. All proceeds to Asta For Animals.

"Race For The Finish" (York Races) - Dave Conlin

"Glimpses From The Road" - Jan George

Quilt - Dandaloo Dilly