Artists Showcase Diverse Creations at “Now That’s Different” Exhibition

The annual “Now That’s Different” exhibition, organized by OpenArts Inc, opened at Macandrew Bay Hall on September 28, featuring a unique theme this year: “Tall & Thin.” This exhibition provides a platform for approximately 45 artists to express their creativity through around 140 works in various mediums.

Chairman of OpenArts Inc, Roger Weston, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme in allowing artists to explore their imaginations. The exhibition includes contributions from well-known artists such as Jenny Longstaff, Scott Drummond, Pauline Bellamy, and Bruce McIntosh, among others.

Weston noted that the playful theme encourages artists to experiment with new ideas and styles. “Our artists enjoy having a fun theme to focus their ideas on and create some really clever artworks on a huge range of subjects,” he said. The exhibition aims not only to inspire creativity but also to introduce artists to new techniques and mediums.

Exhibition Structure and Community Involvement

The “Now That’s Different” exhibition is divided into four distinct sections. These include a segment where artists try something different, another interpreting the “Tall & Thin” theme, a dedicated youth section, and displays featuring artwork from three local schools: Macandrew Bay School, Broad Bay School, and Portobello School. This structure fosters a wide array of artistic expressions and encourages participation from the community.

The exhibition has proven to be popular, drawing in 1,400 visitors from across the city last year. This year, the scheduling in September was intentional to avoid a clash with local body elections. Weston expressed hope that the community would be inspired to visit Macandrew Bay and enjoy the exhibit. “We hope everyone will be inspired to come down to Macandrew Bay and enjoy this fun and fascinating exhibition,” he stated.

With its diverse range of artworks and themes, the “Now That’s Different” exhibition promises an engaging experience for art lovers and the wider community alike. Visitors can explore the creativity of local artists and witness the innovative interpretations of the “Tall & Thin” theme until September 28.