Narrogin Art Group celebrate 60th milestone with line up of award-winning workshops, history homage exhibits

Narrogin Art Group is celebrating 60 years of small town creatives meeting in a home turned full-time arts workshop with year-round milestone markers. Consisting of about 80 members, weekly sessions include painting, drawing, pottery, mosaics, quilting, textiles and mixed media for all to get involved. Established in 1966 by artist and mentor Joy Rich, creatives would gather in borrowed rooms, homes and community halls, before purchasing the Elliot Street building which remains the group’s headquarters six decades on. Group vice-president Linda Townend said the forming members built an inclusive, practical and community-minded culture. “It was founded by local volunteers who believed that a rural town deserved the same creative opportunities as the city folk,” she said. “At a time when art materials and formal training were scarce in regional WA, the group offered a place to paint, draw, learn and connect. “A pivotal figure in these early years was Joy Rich, who provided an interest‑free loan to purchase the house that remains the group’s home. “Her generosity ensured the group had a permanent base and laid the foundation for decades of creative activity.” Local artists were given their first opportunity to show and sell their work through annual exhibitions and workshops run by renowned artists from across the State. The Art Group kicked off its 60th celebrations with a two-day workshop led by award‑winning ceramicist Bernard Kerr on March 14-15. Workshops by ceramicist Rebecca Tester in June and sculptor Dee Jaeger in August will be held to give members an unmissable development opportunity. Group president Di Farmer said that the group was “a lifesaver” when she first moved back to Narrogin in 2018. Ms Farmer said the group and the 60th milestone primarily represent the decades of friendship, which she plans on honouring by showcasing past member artwork and interviews at the group’s annual exhibit from July 4-25. “Without the past we wouldn’t have the present,” she said. “All those members who started the group that have enabled so many people to come through and have the experience of learning different arts and crafts.”