Snapshot at February Ky art exhibitions

Hedley Lilford is new to town and is introducing himself through his exhibition ‘Life's Journey’.

On display until March 1, this exhibition showcases landscapes and portraits that vividly illustrate Mr Hedley’s rich and diverse life experiences.

The art displays moments from his life growing up in Zimbabwe before moving to England as an adult and then to Kyabram to be with his daughter.

Mr Lilford has been in Kyabram for just over a year and wants to use the exhibition as a vessel for people to get to know him and his life.

He said he began painting when he lived in England because he couldn’t stand the cold and wanted to find more things to do inside.

“I took a few classes, learned how to mix colours correctly, and have been painting ever since,” he said.

He mainly uses gouache paint for his art as he finds it easiest to use, but there are a few pieces on display in the exhibition that use an oil-based paint.

“It’s quite brave of me to do something like this (an exhibition) … so I hope people like it, and hope a few even purchase them,” he said.

Young Creatives exhibition

There are a few familiar faces featured in this year’s Young Creatives exhibition.

Siblings James, 11, and Lexie Zobec, 13, are following in the artistic footsteps of their grandmother Isobel Harvie, a beloved figure in the Kyabram Town Hall Art Gallery’s history.

The exhibition, which will run until February 20, is being held in the exhibition hall named after their grandmother, The Isobel Harvie Gallery.

The Young Creatives exhibition runs at the beginning of each year with the aim of showcasing art, in various mediums, made by young people.

Lexie is returning for her second year in the exhibition, equipped with a brand-new set of eclectic and colourful pieces; however, it’s James’ first time around the exhibition circuit.

Their mother, Melitta Zobec said James went along to an art lesson in place of Lexie one day, and took up a liking to putting pen, pencil and paint to paper.

In the last year, he has developed his artistic skills and received recognition for his work.

He even received a Principals Award in art at St Patrick’s Primary School where he attends school.

The siblings' artworks stand side by side in the exhibition, showcasing the creativity of the Zobec family.

However, Mrs Zobec is confident their talent does not derive from herself.

“I think they get it from my grandmother… I’m not gifted in any aspect of art,” she said.

She said the gallery does a good job of showcasing young talent, like her children, and it gives them with the confidence to continue pursuing art.

“It’s cool that it’s in Nan’s gallery too,” Lexie said.

Other exhibitions in February