By Jan Johnston of Stanwell Park CWA

In May we planned a visit to Hazelhurst Gallery in Gymea. There is always lots to see and we were lucky to have on display an exhibition, Ukraine Guernica, by Australian artist George Gittoes.

We viewed the powerful artwork dealing with the effects of the Ukraine war.

We also watched a documentary film on the impact of the war on local residents and the artists’ creativity in painting murals on destroyed buildings in an act of solidarity with the Ukraine people.

It was a unique perspective and we left with a feeling that the nightly news provided a sanitised version of the conflict. The footage we viewed and the disturbing artwork showed us how ordinary people were impacted on a daily basis and the physical harm and fear they endured.

After such a moving experience, we were glad to chat over lunch in the warm and light-filled cafe attached to the gallery. It will be worth another visit as we missed seeing the local artwork due to the exhibition capturing our attention.

Also in May, the 2024 CWA Annual State Conference was held in Coffs Harbour and coincided with the Bellingen Agricultural Show and a Coffs Harbour Art and Craft Show. There was so much to see and do that our conference attendee thoroughly recommends a visit to this part of the world in the month of May. The artworks which Stanwell Park CWA submitted once again won awards and we congratulate Cathie Milander for her successful entries.

We can be found at the CWA Hall, 15 The Drive Stanwell Park on the first Tuesday of the month 10am. Just turn up or you can send us an email on stanwellparkcwa@gmail.com