Art News

The Land of Oz

The Platypus Gallery in Casino celebrated Australia Day yesterday with the opening of a special new exhibition called Art of Oz.

The exhibition features works that have a uniquely Australian flavour, depicting everything from the arrival of the First Fleet to native animals and landscapes. Some of the works have even been created using unmistakably Australian materials such as corrugated iron, rusty taps, Australian timbers and even stone found in the east Kimberly region of WA.

"This exhibition reflects the diversity of our small community and the various feelings we individually and collectively attach to Australia Day," said the gallery's acting coordinator Nadine Smith. "It's a lovely way to celebrate this significant day and explore what it means to be Australian."

Works on show include traditional oil and landscape paintings, mixed media works, sculpture and contemporary Aboriginal paintings.

Art of Oz will remain on show until the end of February. For those not familiar with the gallery, it is at 86 Centre Street, Casino.

The Platypus Gallery will be launching an art competition in February to celebrate their first birthday. The competition will feature up to $1300 worth of prizes, including a $500 best in show prize courtesy of LJ Hooker in Casino. For more information on the competition phone Nadine on 6662 3566.