Celebrating the Work
of Local Artists

CULTURAL FEAST at “GO TELL!” CHRISTIAN ART EXHIBITION, KILCOY

“An outstanding success,”  “great value to artists and all viewers”, “You must keep this going”,  “Another “Go Tell!” next year”, “Make it an annual event”;   were all comments from artists and viewers of the “Go Tell!” Christian Art Exhibition 2007, held in St. Mary’s Anglican Church Hall, Kilcoy over the weekend, 23rd, 24th,25th March.

The parish has geared up for this event over the months since October 2006, when the idea was first proposed.  Organised and led by Daphne Taylor, the congregations throughout the parish have supported, encouraged and given freely of their time, skills and money, to achieve the goal of getting Christian Art into the public domain.  This has been an ‘outreach’ activity, a ‘communication’ in visual form, of the Christian Gospel.

Artists from a wide area, Oakey to Woody Point, Glass House Mountains to The Gap, entered their work in the comprehensive multiple categories.

Kerry Holland, an eminent Brisbane based artist, judged the works.  She was impressed by the quality, interpretation of deep thoughts, standard and variety of the works in all categories;  and requested that her comments in this regard, be passed on to the exhibitors.    She too has added her voice to the urging to make this an annual event.

Dorothy Pratt MP, local member for the Kilcoy area , performed the official opening.  She spoke convincingly of the value of the exhibition.  She said she goes to many art shows in her official capacity as M.P., and when she mentioned this appointment in Kilcoy, a friend said “Not another Art Exhibition,” her response was “Yes.  But this one is different.”

This was the over-riding feeling throughout the evening.   “This one is different.”  As one viewer commented “It makes you think.  We all see God in different ways, different places.”   The works on show, displayed many different styles and subjects – many different mediums, and combinations of medium, all with Christian theme or connection.    The mixed medium in both Traditional and Modern categories, were the most popular, having the most entries.

Other features which added to the welcome and atmosphere of the evening, were the  bowl of punch, choice of wines and luscious savouries   (more than wine and cheese) offered to viewers on entering the hall.  A few more steps and they might have been in an exclusive gallery, with simple elegant plant and floral decoration.   Add to this the brilliant choice of beautiful background music such as James Galway’s flute and many other favourites, which soothed and lifted spirits to higher levels. 

Bonita Morgan with her winning entry "Peter" (On this rock I will build my church)

 Elisabeth Ruiz with her winning entry "At the Cross".

Lut Donahey with her winning entry , (a patchwork hanging), in the SPECIAL category, a work entitled "The Light was the Light of the World".

Another feature of interest was a power point presentation of Stained glass windows in Roma and Surat churches and a reredos quilted wall hanging in Toogoolawah church,  all designed by Daphne Taylor.  This presentation was arranged by a member of the congregation.

Twenty five artists entered a total of forty six works.  Some sections did not achieve the minimum of three entries for a prize to be awarded.

Five paintings, ranging in price from $35.00 - $320.00 were sold.

The general consensus was that being involved in, competing, or simply viewing, this exhibition -  was an exciting,  interesting, extending  and uplifting experience.

Indications are that there will probably be a 2008 “Go Tell!” Christian Art Exhibition in Kilcoy parish.  When the dust settles on this year’s efforts, it will have to be given serious consideration.  Till then, artists are urged to keep painting and extending their horizons.