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Drawing in Ink and Wash
The Panboola Wetlands are an inspiration to artists – amateur and professional alike. This participant in a workshop guided by local visual artist and arts educator Veronica O’Leary, is drawing on her natural surroundings while practicing new techniques.
It’s hard to believe it is only just over 18 months since I last posted about Panboola (see: The Ephemeral Festival) – a precious and cherished wetland reserve in my neighbourhood.
It feels much longer: probably because, like the rest of the world, we’ve been doing it tough in our corner. Much of that period, we have been subjected to Covid-19 restrictions and flooding rains – and those tribulations have come hard on the heels of long-standing drought and devastating bushfires. Natural spaces, like Panboola, have been a much-needed balm for the soul.
The wetlands only exist as a community space because one individual: local resident and animal-lover, Alexandra Seddon, originally purchased a 6-hectares lot to conserve it as a sanctuary for the resident birds. Over the years, through a variety of means, this space has been expanded. On Sunday, the 6th of November 2022, we celebrated Panboola’s 20th anniversary, happily proclaiming “20 years of connecting community through conservation”. The celebrations included exhibits, music, workshops, food (including a birthday cake), and visiting dignitaries.
Of course, the anniversary date was not exact: once again an event had been postponed (and relocated!) because of bad weather. And, while 2022 is the anniversary of the formation of the Pambula Wetlands and Heritage Reserve (PWHR), both the lands and the management of them have changed and grown over that time.
When I first looked back over the photos I had taken on the day, I was a bit alarmed that they do not give much of a ‘sense of place’, and are, instead, predominantly portraits. Upon reflection, this is probably appropriate, because it is the Management Committee, the private and civic benefactors, the paid Coordinator and unpaid volunteers, and the appreciative community, that make this space what it is.
I have posted photos of the land itself before (see: North of Eden).
This time, however, join me for a focus on the people.
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Setting Up
A range of community services, local artists, and regional chapters of nature organisations have set up displays or stalls, dotted around the grounds.
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Kids with their Origami
Under the imprimatur of the Community Peace Harmony Project, children …
Hands on the Origami
… work through the steps in folding origami cranes.
A Boy and the Cranes
Of course, there is always one who wants to see how to undo them!
Paper Cranes in the Trees
The origami is auspiced by the Community Peace & Harmony Project.
In the Trees
In addition to the cranes, the flowering trees are adorned with colourful bits of crochet in various forms.
Skittles
In keeping with the philosophy of reducing environmental impact, Panboola makes lawn games like skittles – rather than fixed facilities – available.
Beyond the Path
A father and daughter explore one of the moveable sculptures on display for the day.
Artist at Work
Veronica O’Leary, local visual artist and arts educator, demonstrates drawing techniques in a workshop …
Panboola in Ink and Wash
… that takes inspiration from the immediate surrounds: the wildlife, the flora and the landscape of the wetlands.
Drawing in Ink and Wash
Workshop participants are focused and productive.
Billy and Bloom Coffee & Tea
Small local businesses contribute their services at reduced prices to support the party.
Michelle Richmond’s Orb
Nearby Tharwa Valley Forge runs workshops on blacksmithing, leatherwork, and metalwork – among other things. The sculptured orbs that participants have produced make a wonderful addition to the wetlands environment.
Barbara Haseloff and Dr Michael Holland
Mid-morning, we are all invited back to marquee for the formal proceedings – complete with dignitaries. Our local State Parliament Member is greeted by a member of the Management Committee.
John Dawson
The Committee President opens the birthday proceedings …
Robyn Kesby
… and the Committee Secretary recounts the history of the wetlands.
Audience in the Tent
Dr Michael Holland
Our local Member for Bega makes his remarks – talking about his personal love of wetlands and marshes.
Birthday Cake
Naturally, an anniversary or birthday requires a cake – which is cut by Committee Members, past and present.
Grazing Table
The free-form food table is a beautiful compliment to the natural surroundings.
Wood Carver
On the wetlands, local craftsmen …
New Moon Spoons
… display their wares, and demonstrate how to make them.
Kym and her Coastal Clay Wall Art
Wyndham Basket Weavers – Hands at Work
Baskets
Wyndham Weavers demonstrate the beauty and functionality possible using local materials.
Henna Art
There are face- and body-painters on the grounds, …
Little Unicorn
… and the children who are benefactors …
Unicorn Butterfly
… love it!
Andy Zarins
A roving musician billed as Latvian Independence Day performs on the grounds.
Hilary Peterson
Inside the marquee, visual artist Hilary Peterson engages with passerbys …
Mirjam Aigner and her Work
… and contemporary textile artist Mirjam Aigner talks to me about her work.
Michelle and Robyn
Project Coordinator, Michelle Richardson chats with a long-time supporter of the project while keeping an eye on proceedings.
Kids and their Mural
Budding young artists are happy with the mural they have painted in their Terri Tuckwell workshop.
When the Party is Over …
After a successful event, the exhibits are dismantled, and the land returns to quiet.
Even without the art and music, there is something magic about this space. I always feel richer for having shared in it.
Here’s to another twenty years of being a landscape for waterbirds and community arts alike!
Until next time.
Photos: 06November2022
