Connecting With Nature Exhibition Opening

The exhibition "Connecting with Nature" at the Monash Gallery of Art was opened by Cathrine Harboe-Ree, Monash University Librarian last Saturday. The day got off to a busy start. My friend Ayako and I got there early to set up. Slowly people started arriving. As well as the invitees for our exhibition, there were many visitors to the gallery that day because of  two other events happening at the same time. Because our exhibits were in the community space between the library and main gallery, all visitors passed and browsed our exhibits on the way to the main gallery and library. 

Cathrine Harboe-Ree's opening speech was about Australian plants and how we make use of them. She is a nature lover and photographer herself, so the exhibition of eco-prints and natural dyed items was well suited to her interests. 

Being responsible for all Monash University libraries, CRH's is well used to public speaking. She made me feel like a true artist. The other members of the group got a good mention too. 

We gathered around to hear the opening speech. Lovely to see some past members and ex-directors of the library returning to our exhibition. 

A well known photographer was there. Ex member of the Wednesday craft group, Dennis Kishere, was there to support the group too. Exhibition openings are a good place to catch up and gather. 

A fan from Instragram  Memtree was there to support us too. She is a photographer and creative person herself. She enjoyed the day.

Famous people were making connections Kitiya Palaskas and Ben Rankins (the musician) had known of each other for a long time, but this was the first time they met in person. 

People were gathering around chatting and catching up on the latest news. 

An good friend, Lesley Riley, who lived and worked in Japan for 15 years, and is now working with Mr Notjustnat came along too. Dale Lin, another colleague of Mr Notjustnat's came to give us her support. Thanks ladies.

Many colleagues were there for the fun of it and they told me they had a great time!

The gang I work with came along to give support. They are a good bunch of people to work with. 

Even a politician was there. Bob Brown, the ex-leader of the Australian Greens party came by to open another exhibition in the gallery that day. Our exhibition is right up his alley so he stopped and had a good look.

Rysa Raynes, a colleague from work traveled a long way to get there. Kitiya and I got a photo taken with her.

Dear Jane and Dr. Raphael Zimmerman came too. Jane has some of her mini paintings in the exhibition.  Jane and I worked together for years. She has retired and enjoys life.

Friends and colleagues were catching up and reconnecting. Exhibition openings are great places to meet. Everyone was in good space and happy. I'm glad to have brought them together again.

My friend Ayako who is also an exhibitor was a great helper at the exhibition. Ayako and I set up the display last weekend. She came early to help with the opening. It's lovely to have a reliable assistant. 

I caught my supervisor Carl Hartung in his colorful hoody and busy either talking or eating! 

Melinda Tan and her lovely family dropped by with a bouquet of  flowers. Mel is my eating partner. We have met every Thursday for lunch for years, even before these children were around.

Gorgeous Ada loves running up and down the ramp at the gallery. There is everything to entertain all age groups at the Monash Gallery of Art.

In keeping with the natural themes I made up a bouquet of native flowers and leaves. The Protea and Waratahs are in bloom at the moment and the juvenile eucalyptus leaves are in abundance too. The exhibition is on until 29th November, so if you are in town please drop by. I'm already thinking about the next exhibition. I have to book the exhibition space a year ahead to secure the spot.  

Now I just sit back and enjoy the free time until I pick myself up and start thinking about Christmas. I suggested to my family to exchange handmade gifts this year. Everyone agreed so I had better start thinking of what to make!  

Until next time

Nat