A huge success is how artists have summed up last month’s From Behind  Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition.  

Staged by Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative in the town’s renovated  Stanbridge Hall, the event has raised $2200 for Backpack Bed for Homeless Australia.

“That’s 15 backpack beds and sleeping bags for the homeless of Hepburn Shire,”  says Pam Gleeson, a Glenlyon artist who is also treasurer with the co-operative.  

“Our target was $1000 so yes, we smashed it. We had over $10,000 of art sales.  Not bad for a very small group of 12 artists.

 “Stanbridge Hall proved to be the perfect space to hold an exhibition. We had  over 180 people at our Gala Opening Night and close to a further 300 people visited  the exhibition.  

“We’ll definitely have a major exhibition every year.”  

Pam had suggested that funds raised from the debut event go toward assisting  people contending with homelessness, after becoming aware of the extent of the  problem.  

“I think a lot of people may not even realise that homelessness is an issue even  here in the Hepburn Shire where it’s a problem that is not openly on display,” she  says.

“Many of the homeless find shelter in hidden corners of the towns and villages  or live in the Wombat State Forest.  

“Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. People suffer illnesses, loss of  employment, marital breakups or the need to escape domestic violence. All these  factors can mean loss of home and employment.  

“Backpack Bed for Homeless can’t keep pace with the demand. They supply a  backpack bed every two hours, but, in fact, need to supply one every 11 minutes.  

“Child & Family Services office in Daylesford is the access point or first point of  contact for people at risk of or suffering homelessness. In the past 12 months Cafs  has provided assistance to 111 individuals, families or couples in the Hepburn Shire,  providing tents, swags and backpack beds.”

_{Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Supplied}

Coming up this month, Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative’s From Behind Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition promises to be a treat for anyone who loves original art.   

Launching Thursday evening, September 26   with a special auction event, and running through to   Sunday, September 29, the exhibition is raising funds   for Backpack Bed for Homeless Australia.

“Our goal is to raise at least $1000 for Backpack   Homeless Australia,” says Daylesford Regional Arts   Co-operative treasurer, Glenlyon-based artist Pam   Gleeson, one of the member artists with work on   show, pictured above.   

“There are a lot of homeless people out there and   it’s getting worse. Really, it could happen to anyone   and there are people in this area who are homeless. It’s   about giving back to the community.”   

The exhibition is free to attend and is being staged   in Daylesford’s Stanbridge Hall at 54 Central Springs   Road, offering the chance to snap up some fine   original artworks by members of the co-operative.   

But the event offers quite a lot more, with a   children’s art workshop led by artist Sandy Angliss   being offered on Friday, September 27, and an   adults’ art workshop with artist Jennifer England representing a great opportunity to learn and get   creative on Sunday, September 29.   

Pam says the opening night event, a ticketed event   at $20 per person, is not to be missed as it will feature   the fundraising auction with dollars raised going to   the cause and many donated items going under the   hammer.   

“We’ve got Cr Lesley Hewitt doing the official   opening and we have wonderful items that have been donated by our generous   sponsors and are being auctioned, including a four-course lunch for two at Lake   House,” says Pam.   

“We also have some wonderful spa bathing experiences for two, wine gift packs   and an accommodation package.   

“The auction will be conducted by our auctioneer, Mick Winter and we will also   have an art auction of one artwork from each participating artist.”   

The Thursday evening opening event will also feature music by Silverjam, nibbles   and drinks, while Sunday will feature artists’ talks.

Pam says 13 artist members of the co-operative will be represented, with each   showing up to 10 works as part of the exhibition which is now hoped to become an   annual fixture on the calendar.   

The co-operative was formed to enable local artists to join a group of like-minded   people, offering support and the chance to exhibit works on a regular basis.   

Pam says that over the past couple of years they’ve had several successful pop-up   exhibitions but now aim to have a major exhibition at least once a year.   

Tickets to the opening night event are available on Eventbrite but will also be   available at the door with more information through www.daylesfordarts.com.au   

Words & image: Eve Lamb