Mannequin artists steal the show

A well-attended opening exhibition evening was held on Friday, October 6 at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre, showcasing talented local works entered for the project titled Body of Work.

Having already been on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, the Body of Work exhibition is comprised of a stunning collection of 14 store mannequins – reimagined by talented individual artists from around the North West and New England districts.

Eight of the 14 mannequin artists travelled to Wee Waa for the event.

WWCACC program facilitator Lisa Almagro welcomed attendees, and an acknowledgement of country was given in language by Gamilaraay woman Helen Wenner.

Rachel Wells, the assistant to Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage Kevin Anderson, passed on a message of congratulations and continued support.

The exhibition was officially opened by WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty.

The exhibits will be available for public viewing until Saturday, November 4.

Back, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth), artist Jody White (Werris Creek), artist Waabi Chapman-Burgess (Glen Innes), WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty, artist and Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre Program Facilitator Lisa Almagro, artist Jessica Tribe, artist Awan Eveleigh, artist Karan Balsar (Tamworth), Rachel Wells (Tamworth) and, front, artist Wendy Thompson (Tamworth).

Waabi Chapman-Burgess and Helen Wenner. Waabi Chapman-Burgess and Helen Wenner.

Back, Sandra Smith, front, Dennise Simshauser and Janice Smith. Back, Sandra Smith, front, Dennise Simshauser and Janice Smith.

Cheryl Boyle, Janelle Schwager and Tamara Woodrow. Cheryl Boyle, Janelle Schwager and Tamara Woodrow.

Robyn Barnes, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth) and Allen Barnes. Robyn Barnes, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth) and Allen Barnes. Robyn Barnes, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth) and Allen Barnes.

WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty, Lyniece Keogh (Tamworth) and Rachel Wells (Tamworth). A well-attended opening exhibition evening was held on Friday, October 6 at the Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre, showcasing talented local works entered for the project titled Body of Work. WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty, Lyniece Keogh (Tamworth) and Rachel Wells (Tamworth). A well-attended opening exhibition evening was held on Friday, October 6 at the Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre, showcasing talented local works entered for the project titled Body of Work.

Jessica Tribe and Stephanie Tribe. Jessica Tribe and Stephanie Tribe.

Artist Jody White (Werris Creek), Christine Murphy and Peter Toft (Tamworth) and artist Karan Balsar (Tamworth) Artist Jody White (Werris Creek), Christine Murphy and Peter Toft (Tamworth) and artist Karan Balsar (Tamworth)

Back, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth), artist Jody White (Werris Creek), artist Waabi Chapman-Burgess (Glen Innes), WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty, artist and Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre Program Facilitator Lisa Almagro, artist Jessica Tribe, artist Awan Eveleigh, artist Karan Balsar (Tamworth), Rachel Wells (Tamworth) and, front, artist Wendy Thompson (Tamworth). Back, artist Joanne Stead (Tamworth), artist Jody White (Werris Creek), artist Waabi Chapman-Burgess (Glen Innes), WWCACC vice president Sonia Fogarty, artist and Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre Program Facilitator Lisa Almagro, artist Jessica Tribe, artist Awan Eveleigh, artist Karan Balsar (Tamworth), Rachel Wells (Tamworth) and, front, artist Wendy Thompson (Tamworth).

Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre program facilitator Lisa Almagro with her decorated mannequin at the Body of Work opening exhibition. Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre program facilitator Lisa Almagro with her decorated mannequin at the Body of Work opening exhibition.