Valla Expressions Art Show: Jan 2025
Valla Expressions Art Show (8th Annual Art Show): All art is for sale.
When:
Grand opening at 10am Saturday 4 January 2025,
10am to 5pm Sunday 5 January to Sun 12th January 2025
Address:
Valla Community Hall, next to the Valla Beach Pre School
Facebook: Valla Expressions Art Show
The Valla Expressions Art Show is an annual art exhibition at Valla Beach Community Hall (next to the Valla Beach Pre School).
In 2025 the Valla Expressions Art Show is excited to announce four new local artists joining the show, along with twelve existing local artists, sixteen in total, across a variety of mediums from ceramics, driftwood lamps, fabric art, indigenous fabrics, jewellery, metal sculpture, painting, photography and wood turning.
All works are available for sale.
The Valla Expressions Exhibition is a sub committee of the Valla Beach Community Association with a percentage of sales and donations at the door going back to the community. What a great way to support your community.
See a little sample from the the talented artists below!
Getting there: Just 25 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, Valla Beach is a great day or half day trip and worth the drive. After your visit to the art exhibition, spend the morning at Valla Beach. Take a stroll along the sand, a dip in the water and drop into a local cafés for breakfast or lunch. Not too far down the road is Nambucca Heads with a lovely boardwalk along the river to the sea. You may even encounter a dolphin or two. Come and make a memory!
Valla Art Expressions January 2025 - Presenting Artists
Carol EastonI have always loved photography. Progressing from the little box Brownie to the Canon EOS I use today, but my Nikon point and shoot is the one that gives me most pleasure.
Distortion, Reflection and Movement have all become integral in my photography, through using learnt techniques or just seeing things differently. Hand layering prints on clear paper and then rephotographing is a favourite giving extra dimension to the work. Encaustic wax on photographs is another and the distortion of reflection creates a mystery especially when inverted. As I don't use photoshop I found it necessary to find ways to create the effects I like.
Nature has an abundant palette waiting for the photographer to capture.
- Carol Easton
Distortion, Reflection and Movement have all become integral in my photography, through using learnt techniques or just seeing things differently. Hand layering prints on clear paper and then rephotographing is a favourite giving extra dimension to the work. Encaustic wax on photographs is another and the distortion of reflection creates a mystery especially when inverted. As I don't use photoshop I found it necessary to find ways to create the effects I like.
Nature has an abundant palette waiting for the photographer to capture.
- Carol Easton
Chris HewgillChris Hewgill (Hewysurf Photography) is an ocean and surf artist photographer with a 40 year background in creating coastal art. I love exploring the colours and movement of the ocean, both above and below the waves, my photo art reflects this saltwater love. In this Valla Expression 2025 Show I’ll have large Canvas Art, Framed Art, Photo Mats and Photo Cards on display (pictured a few examples of last year’s show art).
https://www.instagram.com/hewysurf_photography/
https://www.instagram.com/hewysurf_photography/
Ell HollidayMy work has always been inspired by the world around me.
I grew up near a crowded beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. My early work was in pastel and the rhythms, and colours of my mark making captured the experience of living in this dynamic environment.
Coastal life is very familiar to many Australians. I think this narrative resonates with my audience and invites them to create their own stories. I am interested in providing viewpoints that exaggerate the density of the populated beach and provide extended areas of focus. The narrative I want to present is of nostalgia, fun and easily recognisable characters.
Recently my work has become more detailed, miniature and is usually painted with oil paint.
Living in the Nambucca Valley has presented a different version of the beach than I grew up with. I have become very interested in photographing and painting clouds. They bring drama to an otherwise familiar scene. I have become more focused on the subtle beauty in tonal variations.
I also take inspiration from new environments and surrounds when I travel and experience new landscapes. These works, often in pastel are larger and focus on mark making and colour and are a depiction of my abundant curiosity for different landforms and plants.
My main career has been as a visual art and photography teacher at Nambucca Heads and Kempsey High Schools. I have had many private commissions and have been successful in art prizes. Now retired, I am finding the energy and time to experiment with new ideas and mediums.
@eleanorhollidayart https://eleanorholliday.art
I grew up near a crowded beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. My early work was in pastel and the rhythms, and colours of my mark making captured the experience of living in this dynamic environment.
Coastal life is very familiar to many Australians. I think this narrative resonates with my audience and invites them to create their own stories. I am interested in providing viewpoints that exaggerate the density of the populated beach and provide extended areas of focus. The narrative I want to present is of nostalgia, fun and easily recognisable characters.
Recently my work has become more detailed, miniature and is usually painted with oil paint.
Living in the Nambucca Valley has presented a different version of the beach than I grew up with. I have become very interested in photographing and painting clouds. They bring drama to an otherwise familiar scene. I have become more focused on the subtle beauty in tonal variations.
I also take inspiration from new environments and surrounds when I travel and experience new landscapes. These works, often in pastel are larger and focus on mark making and colour and are a depiction of my abundant curiosity for different landforms and plants.
My main career has been as a visual art and photography teacher at Nambucca Heads and Kempsey High Schools. I have had many private commissions and have been successful in art prizes. Now retired, I am finding the energy and time to experiment with new ideas and mediums.
@eleanorhollidayart https://eleanorholliday.art
Jason EarnshawMy name is Jason Earnshaw (Earnshaw Engineering) Nambucca Heads.
Metal sculpture has become a passion of Mine.Especially, interpretations of land based and marine themed Australian native animals. More recently I have begun creating interpretive elements for complete sculptural settings complementing the central art piece. I'm proud to say the artwork presented here is a culmination of my artistic and personal development in the world of metal sculpture.
I now combine the enjoyment of training young people (including my daughter) in metal sculpture and engineering in projects like these. Working with and for my community with examples like "The Pelican at the V Wall" are part of who I am as an artist.
I'm grateful to be included with other like minded artists, And hope You enjoy my art installations at Valla Expressions.
Metal sculpture has become a passion of Mine.Especially, interpretations of land based and marine themed Australian native animals. More recently I have begun creating interpretive elements for complete sculptural settings complementing the central art piece. I'm proud to say the artwork presented here is a culmination of my artistic and personal development in the world of metal sculpture.
I now combine the enjoyment of training young people (including my daughter) in metal sculpture and engineering in projects like these. Working with and for my community with examples like "The Pelican at the V Wall" are part of who I am as an artist.
I'm grateful to be included with other like minded artists, And hope You enjoy my art installations at Valla Expressions.
Julie CollinsOriginally from London,I relocated to Valla Beach from Alice Springs seven years ago having lived in the bush for 35 years. My mother was an upholsterer and I grew up surrounded by luxurious fabrics , the offcuts of which I turned into doll and teddy clothes. To their horror, my daughters were always in matching outfits and I started quilting and patchworking with the leftover pieces.
After selling my catering business, I worked for a friend in The Aboriginal Fabric Gallery in Todd Mall, Alice Springs. Instead of payment, I would make articles for the shop to sell and so Table Art was born.
I have always admired the desert designs and colours of the aboriginal artists, and now have the time to experiment with them due to my passion for sewing.
The fabrics that I use are predominately central desert designs but I have adapted them to fit in with the beach hues and lifestyle. All of my pieces are unique and simply evolve as I progress with them.
This is my second year with Valla Expressions and I am excited to showcase some of my work again. - Cheers Julie
After selling my catering business, I worked for a friend in The Aboriginal Fabric Gallery in Todd Mall, Alice Springs. Instead of payment, I would make articles for the shop to sell and so Table Art was born.
I have always admired the desert designs and colours of the aboriginal artists, and now have the time to experiment with them due to my passion for sewing.
The fabrics that I use are predominately central desert designs but I have adapted them to fit in with the beach hues and lifestyle. All of my pieces are unique and simply evolve as I progress with them.
This is my second year with Valla Expressions and I am excited to showcase some of my work again. - Cheers Julie
Michaela KloecknerMichaela Kloeckner has been a ceramicist since her workshop training in 1982 with Master Potter Errol Barnes at Lyre Bird Ridge Pottery in Springbrook, Qld, Australia.
As a competent production potter she established her own studio pottery in 1986. In 1990 her work moved from the purely functional to special exhibition pieces. Michaela has exhibited both nationally and internationally and she has won numerous awards including the prestigious Gold Coast 3D Art and Design Award in 2004.
As life itself, Michaela’s work is ever changing and evolving. She is a dynamic teacher and students benefit from her knowledge and her passion for the subject.
“For the last 33 years of my life I have been most fortunate to be closely connected with the earth. I am happiest when I can touch clay. To this day I find the never ending possibilities and challenges of this medium simultaneously exciting and frustrating.”
- Visit www.kloeckner.com.au to view her extensive CV.
As a competent production potter she established her own studio pottery in 1986. In 1990 her work moved from the purely functional to special exhibition pieces. Michaela has exhibited both nationally and internationally and she has won numerous awards including the prestigious Gold Coast 3D Art and Design Award in 2004.
As life itself, Michaela’s work is ever changing and evolving. She is a dynamic teacher and students benefit from her knowledge and her passion for the subject.
“For the last 33 years of my life I have been most fortunate to be closely connected with the earth. I am happiest when I can touch clay. To this day I find the never ending possibilities and challenges of this medium simultaneously exciting and frustrating.”
- Visit www.kloeckner.com.au to view her extensive CV.
Karen TollanI’ve been making jewellery for over 10 years now and I still love it !
I learnt her skills from a few very talented crafts women and a wonderful woman Jeweller.
My materials consist of precious or semi-precious gems, real pearls, sterling silver findings and some glass, clay and shells.
I like to make different and unique designs so that each piece is special.
Hope you enjoy them. - Karen (of Karen’s Creations)
I learnt her skills from a few very talented crafts women and a wonderful woman Jeweller.
My materials consist of precious or semi-precious gems, real pearls, sterling silver findings and some glass, clay and shells.
I like to make different and unique designs so that each piece is special.
Hope you enjoy them. - Karen (of Karen’s Creations)
Lorraine FrancisLorraine’s paintings in this exhibition are indicative of her varied interests: traditional landscape, contemporary or imaginative images painted in vibrant colours. Lorraine has lived in the Nambucca Valley for over twenty years and her work has been widely exhibited.
Kathy EdwardsKathy Edwards is a self-taught watercolour artist based in Australia, known for capturing the beauty of nature through her detailed, expressive paintings of native flowers, birds, and coastal elements. Inspired by her love of the Australian landscape, Kathy’s work combines vibrant colour palettes with intricate textures, bringing to life the delicate yet resilient forms of native flora and fauna. Her recent collections are influenced by her travels, including a trip to the Greek Islands, and childhood memories of beachcombing with her grandmother. Through her art, Kathy invites viewers to connect with nature's beauty and the harmony found in the world around us.
Pat GreenwoodI have lived in Valla Beach for twenty- one years and have recently retired as a community nurse covering Bellingen and Macksville.
I have finally found the time and space to set up a studio at home where I explore many mixed mediums as well as textiles and watercolours.
I am a self-taught artist learning from many years of attending Camp Creative and more recently U3A.
I enjoy experimenting with texture and colour culminating in surprising results.
This is my first time showcasing art work with Valla Expressions.
I have finally found the time and space to set up a studio at home where I explore many mixed mediums as well as textiles and watercolours.
I am a self-taught artist learning from many years of attending Camp Creative and more recently U3A.
I enjoy experimenting with texture and colour culminating in surprising results.
This is my first time showcasing art work with Valla Expressions.
Lyn WalshI have been fortunate to have had many years working with clay. Starting my ceramics in Sydney, then moving with my family to the Nambucca Valley in 1983, I have set up a many studio spaces.
Wheel throwing is my area of expertise. Such a thoroughly engaging process, as I loose myself in the creating, searching for new ways to make my pieces.
I am basically self taught with 4 years at Coffs harbour TAFE, working closely with fellow artists. This was a great “sharing of ideas”. So much was learned during this time, giving me confidence to exhibit my work. Raku firing technique captures my imagination, and I have been exploring and fine tuning it. The results are dramatic, producing suitable pieces for exhibitions.
My work has been shown at:
- Nexus Gallery Bellingen(highly commended in Members Art Prize 2016)
- Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery, Gladstone
- Tree O Gallery, Repton
- Nambuca Valley Art Exhibition (winner of open craft section 2015)
- Matilda Street Gallery, Macksville
- The Art Space Urunga (including annual Small Sculpture Prize)
- Coastal Claymakers annual exhibitions
- Valla Expressions Exhibition, Valla Beach
- Gallery CC, Macksville
- Dorrigo Railforest Gallery
What a privilege to have had to opportunity to work with the amazing medium of clay. I will continue to do so, for as long as it keeps on speaking to me.
Wheel throwing is my area of expertise. Such a thoroughly engaging process, as I loose myself in the creating, searching for new ways to make my pieces.
I am basically self taught with 4 years at Coffs harbour TAFE, working closely with fellow artists. This was a great “sharing of ideas”. So much was learned during this time, giving me confidence to exhibit my work. Raku firing technique captures my imagination, and I have been exploring and fine tuning it. The results are dramatic, producing suitable pieces for exhibitions.
My work has been shown at:
- Nexus Gallery Bellingen(highly commended in Members Art Prize 2016)
- Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery, Gladstone
- Tree O Gallery, Repton
- Nambuca Valley Art Exhibition (winner of open craft section 2015)
- Matilda Street Gallery, Macksville
- The Art Space Urunga (including annual Small Sculpture Prize)
- Coastal Claymakers annual exhibitions
- Valla Expressions Exhibition, Valla Beach
- Gallery CC, Macksville
- Dorrigo Railforest Gallery
What a privilege to have had to opportunity to work with the amazing medium of clay. I will continue to do so, for as long as it keeps on speaking to me.
Richard WrobelRichard has found the creation of his Light Sculptures, using recycled objects, usually scavenged from the beach, to be a relaxing and rewarding adventure.
Richard loves to be immersed in nature, he is a Beachcomber who sees beauty in nature’s gifts. He will see a piece of Driftwood or other treasure and know exactly how he can use it to create his Driftwood Light Sculptures.
Each lamp is unique & has it’s own rustic character, charm & story.
The lamps create a beautiful natural feature which provide dramatic lighting & ambience. Richard creates Floor & Table Lamps that suit any room.
They have, professionally fitted, LED lights.
Richard has featured in several exhibitions and was a Finalist in the Urunga Small Sculpture Prize 2022.
Richard loves to be immersed in nature, he is a Beachcomber who sees beauty in nature’s gifts. He will see a piece of Driftwood or other treasure and know exactly how he can use it to create his Driftwood Light Sculptures.
Each lamp is unique & has it’s own rustic character, charm & story.
The lamps create a beautiful natural feature which provide dramatic lighting & ambience. Richard creates Floor & Table Lamps that suit any room.
They have, professionally fitted, LED lights.
Richard has featured in several exhibitions and was a Finalist in the Urunga Small Sculpture Prize 2022.