Exhibition highlights a blend of talents

An upcoming exhibition combining art and poetry will serve as an ideal canvas for artists to showcase their work, according to the event organiser Kez Wickham St George.

Painting with Poetry is a mixed-media exhibition bringing together all art forms and associated poetry and will open at the Gary Holland centre on November 30.

For Ms Wickham St George, who has held a number of successful exhibitions in previous years, the event represents the amalgamation of two of her greatest passions.

‘‘My real passion is really in abstract but I’ve dabbled in poetry as well,’’ she said.

‘‘Painting with Poetry has been an idea for about five years now.

‘‘It doesn’t matter what kind art it is—canvas paper mache, mosaic, glass—if it’s got poetry in it, on it or attached to it, we’re interested in having it in the exhibition. It’s about getting to people to recognise that poetry isn’t fuddy-duddy, it can be fun, romantic, exciting and it brings out the person you are.’’

Ms Wickham St George, who is a Rockingham resident, said the exhibition was also designed to showcase the region as a vibrant artist community.

‘‘I love Rockingham and I wanted to bring Rockingham into the spotlight where art is concerned,’’ she said.

‘‘I have so many artists and writers around here.

‘‘But like many others, we’re all a bit scared of what others are going to say.

‘‘I think we should all be out there.'

Pieces will be selected for the exhibition by internationally-acclaimed poet Maureen Sexton.

All work will be considered for entry, however pieces on canvas must not exceed 700mm x 700mm.

Invitations can be collected from local libraries or found at poetrywithpaint.blogspot.com.

A $25 entry fee applies and submissions must be entered by November 1.