We were fortunate in having local Artist Kate Jenvey​ acquaint us with her work in July.  Kate is an interesting woman. Born in Africa, she lived there until she was 10 years old, and then migrated to Australia.
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Kate is a realistic painter who has maintained a connection with Africa and spends some time there each year. She paints Animals - both African and Australian - but mostly African, in exceptional detail. Kate described to us her early life and the feeling of attachment she has for Africa, sharing with us her love of the African Landscape and African Culture. It was extremely enjoyable.

We encourage all U3A members to visit the exhibition.

Join us at 'First Monday' at the Benalla Art Gallery on August 4th at 10.00am, to hear Anderson Hunt as he offers insight into his practice as a successful sculptor who has seen many projects through from beginning to completion. 

​Neville Gibb

The Art Group was fortunate to attend a talk given in person by Kate Jenvey who has an exhibition 'Drawn to the Wild' in the Simpson Gallery. Kate’s drawings in Graphite and Coloured Pencils are of an exceptionally high quality and a must see. The work is of such quality one wonders if computer graphics might have been involved. Detailed to an exceptional point, painstakingly correct they are of such quality you could call them transformational. But they also have a spiritual aspect to them. We are not just viewing the reproductions of photographs. Art is involved here. Her drawings take the viewer on a journey into the Animals’ stories where we feel attuned to their essence. She brings the viewer to the point where we understand we are all creatures in this world together and we need to treat our brother animals as we would treat ourselves. Kate obviously loves animals and we are fortunate that she can use her great skills to bring the animal’s plight to our attention.
 
Bravo Kate. We salute you.
 
In the Bennett Gallery there is an exhibition that raises the question: What is Art and how do we recognize it? No doubt some of the exhibits are artistic but how much Art is contained therein is the question. This is not a problem isolated to this exhibition. What is considered Art meanders sometimes off on its own journey and this is one example?  This is a conundrum for all art galleries. Do we accept that art is moving in this direction and show it as art? Or do we keep showing old work that has been accepted as art? And not show anything new. Unfortunately it takes time before time sorts out what is art and what isn’t.
 
In the Ledger Gallery we are fortunate to have the Brett Whitely exhibition curated by Wendy Whitely. It is fair to say that these are not Brett’s best pictures and some of them show evidence of the colours fading.  But this is a small criticism. The exhibition is a coup for the Gallery. Whitely was greatly talented and all his art is accessible and pleasing to the eye.  He was able produce his own style and to also incorporate many influences into his art.  He did capture the mood and atmosphere of his time.  He produced paintings that were meant to be appreciated by others.  Whitely had the ability to be one of Australia’s great artists and it is unfortunate his life was cut short before he could produce his best work. This exhibition however does give an indication of his great tale. It is worth spending some time in the Gallery contemplating and reflecting on Whiteley’s Art. 


Neville Gibb