THE old butter factory and former Factory and Field building got a new lease of life for the Big Cohuna Festival this year.
With some financial help from the Cohuna Progress Association, the huge space was transformed by the big, colourful works of seven district artists.
The exhibition, organised by Kerang artist Carol Dove, was officially opened on Friday night by councillor Sonia Wright.
Among the exhibitors was Jenni Finn, the owner of the building.
A self-taught photographer and graphic artist, Ms Finn had never tried her hand at artwork as such but was swept up in her sister’s enthusiasm as she organised the event.
“Carol spoke about the show and I was inspired,” Ms Finn said.
While selecting photographs for the event, Ms Finn also created abstract works using acrylic paint and a plastic scraper.
“I just had a bit of a play around, I did random bits and pieces,” she said.
“Because of the photography, I think I’m into the whole pattern thing.”
Proud of her sister’s efforts, Ms Dove said the aim of the event was to showcase local talent and transform the building.
“It was an open theme,” Ms Dove said.
“We had to fill this huge space. We wanted as many pictures as possible.”
In total there were 60 artworks, in a range of styles, by fellow artists Lyndsay Quinlan, Amy Scott, Kerryn Finch, Paul Oswin and Danida Heitbaum-Ferres.
They included multi-coloured cows, eagles and cockatoos, a still life series and fantasy world scenes.
Golden Rivers Art Group president Danida Heitbaum-Ferres said the space made the art experience “more exciting”.
“What I love about it is that everyone’s work is completely different but Carol and Jenni have done such a great job of curating it, it has a lovely glow,” Ms Heitbaum-Ferres said.
Cohuna singer-guitarist Rachael Warren contributed to the atmosphere and new business Lenner Pop-Up Picnics complemented the art with mouth-watering catering.
Ms Dove, who described the opening as “fantastic” said there may be more shows at the venue in the future.
“It might be the start of something new,” she said.
