Heavenly Beverley : Hurtling Towards Our Celebration...

Maybe time flying is a geriatric phenomenon. When I was a child, I would count the weeks until the next school holidays, which was always agonisingly slow. I loved the learning part of school, but I was the butt of bullies and longed for the relative peace of aloneness three times a year. Then came other periods when I longed for time to fly - waiting for pregnancies to be over, waiting for winter to end, waiting for our building's subdivision to be completed, waiting for medical appointments or pathology results. However, as I have been increasingly ag-ed, these episodes of slow time are becoming fewer and fewer.

Which is really the point of this post. Ten years ago, after much blood, sweat and tears (!), we had renovated enough of the Forbes Building to tentatively edge towards opening...a gallery...We had already decided on a name - East End Gallery - but as we procrastinated and farnarkelled (stalling for time!), a friend and mentor took us Firmly By Hand and demanded we set a date.

Tim Burns, a true eccentric and Murray Cook, a true gentleman, are both artists and were living around York in 2014. Murray still is but I actually have no idea of Tim's location at present. Anyway, Tim announced we would open the East End Gallery and find as many local artists as we could to fill the space. He promised to bring "the crowd up from Fremantle" with extra artworks. Michael's pristine and just finished in the nick of time studio and workshop would serve as a venue for eating, drinking and convivial conversation. We set up a string of trestle tables with mismatching chairs along with a BBQ, a wading pool and Tim's enormous three panelled painting of his property for added drama.

And thus on 19 December 2014, the East End Gallery was born. We were elated, exhausted and overwhelmed all at once. Our building was overflowing with creative souls. My first sale was a chaotic affair as I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. Tom de Munk-Kurkmeer pointed out that the Gallery was the entity that was responsible for the commission, rather than the purchaser! I was so bloody green...A thousand pardons, Tom.

Over the next eighteen months, Michael wrangled the rest of the Forbes Building into her current condition. With the help of his XO Gary Schouten, a great deal of colourful language and plenty of hard slog, we were able to extend the Gallery's space to 150 square metres. Finally, in March 2016, Michael declared he's had enough.

Michael's own artistic journey stuttered and stalled from time to time. His own body needed significant renovation due to wear and tear, his collection was haphazardly organised and he lost his mojo on several lengthy occasions. Summoning courage to push his boundaries again and again, Michael has surged into probably the most creative period of his life. Each of his sculptures is showing his progression in skill, technique and imagination. I might add that I have somewhat improved in my role as Front-of-House too...

And we have continued to grow and grow and grow...From our fledgling wobbles, we now have in excess of 100 artists. We are also so fortunate to have two outstanding artists join us permanently. Rebecca Buglass and her Mum Marion Luck have established Studio 116 within the East End Gallery. Bec is an exquisite jeweller, designer and silversmith and metal creator. Marion is a long-standing painter who is also an experienced teacher and facilitator. Marion's Mum, Lindle, makes intricate earrings and Bec's daughter Ruby is a talented photographer (at 13 years of age). That makes four generations of incredible women all within the East End Gallery. How lucky are we?!

Which finally brings me to our CELEBRATION, to be held on Friday 29 November between 7pm - 9pm. This will be a catered affair with a licensed bar. In addition, there will be a non-alcoholic punch and mineral water. The food will be served on a grazing table with gluten-free and lactose-free items (if required). The entry cost is $10 per person and will entitle you to an initial glass of wine, glass of punch, unlimited mineral water and the grazing table.

RSVP is required by FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER. Please let us know NUMBERS AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS BY 22 NOVEMBER.

Attendees can let us know through calling Kate on 0414 255 781, through Facebook or by emailing us at - thewifofsif@gmail.com

Above all else, we want our artists to be honoured on 29 November. That means we want our artists to receive remuneration for their spirit, their bravery, their passion and their stories. We have been supporting and promoting our artists for ten years. All of them have a connection to the Wheatbelt, a connection to us, or both.

We have had artists come and go over the last decade. However, a large percentage of our artists have hung in with us, year in, year in. As far as we are aware, there is no other Wheatbelt gallery that has a similar number of artists. Who also support us.

So, we should not be surprised that the East End Gallery continues to thrive. Maybe not as financially secure as we would like, but orchestrating our Gallery has never been about the money. Michael, as an award wining sculptor, has always been about the initial idea, the story and the quest. He prides himself on striving for the excellence of his craft, for exquisite detail and for the joy of history that his sculptures portray.

We are looking forward to 2025 and beyond with delighted anticipation. We know we are here to stay for the duration. Join us in this journey, become one of our artists, a guest or supporter, promote the East End Gallery and support our mission by becoming an owner of one of our original artworks.

Thank you.