Most of us who have reached a certain vintage would be familiar with the children's book "We're Going On A Bear Hunt", written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Published in 1989, the story is of five children and their dog setting out on a bear hunt. They overcome all manner of natural obstacles in their quest - passing through tall grass, crossing a river, squelching through mud, navigating a forest and facing a snowstorm before finding the bear in a cave. The bear appears hostile and chases their home, but is he actually a threat? The final scene has the bear plodding miserably along a dark beach...And the children end up hiding under a duvet, vowing never to entertain the idea of a bear hunt ever again.
Repetitive refrains are an integral part of the story as well as frequent usage of onomatopoeia (words that are suggestive of the accompanying sound - crash, boom, growl, giggle or hiccup). I read this book to my children, all of whom loved both the narrative and the illustrations. The children and dog were based on Helen Oxenbury's own family; the landscapes were also familiar to her. The story sequence was easy for children to follow and the characters looked like everyday kids. A timeless classic, in my opinion.
So when I met a marvellous artist named Julie Anne Stolen and accepted eleven of her quirky little gnomes into the Gallery, the thought came to me to tuck them into different posses and create a gnome hunt. Which I have happily completed. The only trouble is that Julie's gnomes have become a delighted and sought-after art piece and four of them have already been sold!
Fear not, I have sent Julie an SOS for more gnomes...She will be as busy as a beaver and if all works well, we will have more of these joyful little creatures peeking out from shelves and niches.
Looking for an activity for a wintry and rainy afternoon? Turn your vehicle of choice eastwards to Heavenly Beverley and have a giggle whilst locating all of Julie's gnomes, dotted throughout the East End Gallery.
And of course, the East End Gallery is so much more than just Julie's gnomes. Searching for an original colourful card? We have a whole bunch of extraordinary card makers. Seeking a unique piece of jewellery? View our talented artisans. After some "different" pottery? Take an extended browse at all of Gone Potty's items. Maybe a ceramic witch's cauldron? Kelly Duncan has kindly provided one. Wood works with a story? We have multiple craftspeople. An eye-watering range of three dimensional sculptures? Take your time. Paintings, drawings, pastels, watercolours, mixed media, eco-dyeing and eco-printing? We have them all for your pleasure.
So really, a visit to the East End Gallery has become a treasure hunt. Plus, we can provide tourism information, a library of interesting books, art for the kids and the invitation to see Michael at work in his Studio and marvel at his wonderful collection of metal artifacts. And very soon, Rebecca and Marion Luck will also be onsite to add to our fabulous and eclectic atmosphere.
If I might say so myself, the East End Gallery just keeps becoming better and better. Betty and Craig McKeough finished their Residency at the Station Gallery yesterday and have left us with some exquisite jewellery, eco-printing and a wonderful pastel and charcoal rendition of Paperbark trees.
Did I mention that there are lambs everywhere and the Wheatbelt is returning to green?
Shall we see you soon? We certainly hope so!
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