Elation was the overarching emotion evident when the doors of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery (SRAG) first welcomed the public on the afternoon of July 26.
SRAG director Mary Findlay emotionally greeted our newspaper and dozens of artists and well-wishers as they arrived through the welcoming doors on Marsh Street, within Weeroona Park, to appreciate the "Collection of Seasons" event, a pre-emptor for the early August official opening.
"At long last!" a local greeted Ms Findlay, with open arms, the spritely director reciprocating the excitement. Towncrier Bob Townshend elaborated on what he described in his "call" as "the hub of art ... giving artists a flying start".
More than a flying start had been given to artists, known and previously unseen, within the seasonal collection on offer and Ms Findlay was quick to acknowledge the team around her, especially Dan McArthur, Michelle Conkas, and other supporters.
"The volunteers have been here for two weeks straight," Ms Findlay continued sharing with your local, free newspaper. "I'm very proud of the team, including my colleagues and the committee. We are thankful to the Southern Downs Regional Council as they couldn't have helped us more, when we were across the road. I feel quite emotional and as though it is a new beginning."
The art gallery first opened in 1987, requiring renovation to safely house some precious works, Ms Findlay saying that the current task is to "make the gallery better for the next generation so they can take it and move forward".
"Art has a capacity to transcend barriers," she said publicly in her address to more than 200 people. "Differences can bring us together ... (and) Stanthorpe has always been committed to creative culture. I can't believe that the gallery is finally open. We are finally home."
Opening the renovated gallery's first exhibition on July 26 was Southern Downs Regional Councillor Morwenna Harslett who said the gallery brings "community cohesion and reduces isolation" and is "a space to show who we are as well as to educate us about our past, our present and to think about our future".
"I thank the volunteers from the bottom of my heart," Cr Harslett continued. "(And) I congratulate the gallery committee for the patience and resilience they have shown ... particularly over the last eighteen months, which must have been a challenge.
"This exhibition gives us a specific opportunity to think about the journey of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery. It showcases works from our own Southern Downs' collection. I encourage you to think about what they mean to us, what they tell us about our area, why they are important to us here and what they mean in the context of our local culture and heritage."
Cr Harslett told us that the gallery opening was "the most exciting event" in her arts-related Portfolio role so far. Joking that she had said the same when addressing the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe recently, the arts-enthusiast confirmed that the opening of the gallery had "trumped" the former event, in her excitement, evident in every word she spoke.
