By Emily-Rose Toohey
As the final Art in the Mill took place three weekends ago, one of its creators is reflecting on the venture’s 20 year history.
Alba Conti is part of a three person team made up of herself, Michael Pieper, and Sue Gurd.
She said that the idea first emerged with the goal of selling their artwork.
“I had vaguely seen it elsewhere before,” she said.
“We’ve been displaying our own work and other artists at Ballandean, and I always believe that the Granite Belt has been very supportive and a great majority has been sold to the local population.
“The venture was undertaken with no outside funding – and still to do this day never has been.
“It’s all been us and has been lots of hard work – we never received a penny, we just thought ‘let’s give this a go’.”
Alba said the yearly exhibition was held Friday to Monday, and the shed’s owner Pedro would have to clean it out before the group set up themselves.
“Art in the Mill has stopped now before we’re getting too old,” she said.
“We are very sad that it’s closing, but we physically cannot do it.”
Alba said that selecting the works to be displayed over the May long weekend was a strategic process.
“We vetoed everyone’s work to ensure there wasn’t too much of the same,” she said.
However, it was through the kindness of people, like members of the Rotary, who Alba said have helped them all the way.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, we have a great group of people and it’s sad that it’s closing down,” she said.
“I sincerely hope there will be other artists doing similar things, we are all quite happy to give the knowledge that we have, if they were to approach us.
“We’d be happy to pass on the baton.”
