A True Gentleman And A Bit Of A Scalliwag

We have just had the pleasure of meeting John Kaye and enjoying his company for the last two months. John travelled from suburban Perth to be Artist-In-Residence at Station Arts, Beverley's community art gallery that is home to the Council's collection. Both the artworks and the residence are within the original and restored railway station. In return for receiving free accommodation, John's requirements were to open the gallery for sixteen hours a week and spend as much time as possible honing his painting skills.

John went above and beyond the Call of Duty. If he was at the Station, he opened their Gallery. He threw himself into Beverley life, attending Stretch, SLAG and Pilates with Janet, rocking at the East End Gallery Sundowner, the East End Gallery's writing group, networking with other artists and never missing an opportunity to walk briskly every day around town.

He and his delightful wife Ann welcomed us at the Station with a delicious dinner. We enjoyed a late afternoon vino with John on a number of occasions. Popping in and out the East End Gallery like a jack-in-the-box, he was always an amiable, jovial and entertaining guest.

John was a fabulous addition as the latest of Beverley's Artists-in-Residence. I hope the committee know how lucky they were to accept him into their programme. He showed no prejudice toward anybody. He was gregarious and pro-active. And he proved himself to be a bloody good artist.

The Freemasons Tavern would agree with me. John's paintings are now proudly displayed in the public bar and the dining room. Congratulations to the Freemasons for supporting a fabulously talented emerging artist.

And to illustrate he wasn't utterly perfect, John managed to lock himself out of the Station one day. Just as well the weather was sunny and calm and not blowing a gale. Recruiting Michael into assistance, the Likely Lads surveyed the situation. The only Way Into The Station was through a second storey window. Our heroes sourced themselves a ladder, and with Michael acting as an anchor, John climbed onto the roof and gained access into his temporary home.

This escapade could have ended so badly. Luckily, there were no injuries and no reports and I was provided with a jolly good laugh from the safety of Station House.

We will miss John. He has joined the East End Gallery as our second newest artist. Miss Te'a Lewis holds the baton in that position. To view John and Te'a's art, drop what you are doing and make your way to the East End Gallery.

PS our Sundowner is on this coming WA Day long weekend - an overwhelmingly compelling excuse to come to Heavenly Beverley!

Introducing Mister John Kaye and a selection of his paintings -