Mossman on show at latest Douglas Arts Base exhibition
ARTS AND CULTURE
Memories came flooding back when long-time Mossman resident, former Councillor and People’s Choice Award winner Marj Norris regaled the audience at DAB’s “This is Mossman” art exhibition which was opened at their Mill Street studio on Friday night.
The exhibition runs until 10 August and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
It was fitting that Ms Norris was on hand to open the exhibition which showcased collages, sketches, pottery, water colours and photography from some of the Shire’s many talented artists.
The Douglas Arts Studio Base, or the Douglas Arts Base (DAB), was the brainchild of Ms Norris and since its inception in 2002, it has enjoyed a colourful history and produced art of the highest standard.
“I can still recall when we got going with a mere $500, a few chairs, easels, but lots of enthusiasm. But the success of the past 17 years speaks volumes.
“We proved that with a group of ladies with a vested interest in the community, we could make a go of this. And we did. Our current location – the old National Bank on 11 Mill Street – was also a key part in our development,” said Ms Norris.
Ms Norris, who is president of the Mossman District Nursing Home, was appointed the fourth female councillor in 2004. “And I can tell you that there have been only seven female councillors over the past 100 years.”
She speaks fondly of Mossman where she has lived for the past 57 years after relocating from Cairns.
“Mossman was beautiful 57 years ago, and is still beautiful. You have access to so many different areas and this is what makes it special,” she said.
As Ms Norris pointed out, the DAB building is significant. It is on the Queensland Heritage Register, is registered with The National Trust and was once a bank. It has become an integral part of the Douglas region, with its exhibitions proving to be popular events for the community.
Meanwhile, DAB’s Semester 2 Program for 2019 runs from 15 July to 14 December.
DAB is a not-for-profit community arts centre run by volunteers. It is a hub for local artists and crafts people, providing quality opportunities for the whole community to learn, create, exhibit, visit and inspire.
It offers a variety of weekly art classes, courses which run for a number of weeks and one-off workshops.
For more information: www.dabmossman.com
Scene at DAB's 'This is Mossman' exhibition. Images: Howard Salkow