Published on Thursday, 10 February 2022 at 3:12:54 PM

Six decades of local art is being celebrated at Albany Town Hall this month with Albany Art Group staging a Diamond Jubilee Exhibition to mark its 60th anniversary.

The group formed in July 1962 to create a collaborative environment for would-be solo artists from Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker to come together in their pursuit of art.

Weekly classes in social painting, life drawing, plein air painting and skill development have entertained and educated like-minded individuals over the past 60 years.

The art group has grown from its initial 18 founding members to a bustling group of 70 artists with a wide range of skills, talents and creative interests.

Manager Arts and Culture Paul Nielsen said the exhibition was a testament to the passion and creative vision of the group.

“Group creator and acclaimed watercolour artist Geoff Ridley unfortunately passed away before his vision of the group became reality,” Mr Nielsen said.

“It’s very special for us to be able to hold the Albany Art Group’s milestone exhibition in the new Town Hall gallery space.

“The group has been deeply involved in many of Albany’s artistic projects over the last six decades and this exhibition celebrates each of the talented members that have made an impact in our community.”

Albany Art Group President Colin Montefiore said more artists were involved in this exhibition than any of the group’s previous exhibitions.

“These fantastic people encourage new members to share ideas and mentor them as they take on new artistic challenges,” he said.

“We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of the City of Albany and the exhibition has been superbly curated, it looks fantastic.”

The Diamond Jubilee Exhibition is free to view at the Albany Town Hall from Thursday 3 February until Thursday, 24 February 2022.

For more information, head to www.artsandculture.albany.wa.gov.au

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