The Caledonian Hotel Art Exhibit will feature works by Cindy Lee Pedrana and Anna Walsh.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Caledonian Hotel is set to come alive with familiar landscapes and floral paintings by two local artists in a new exhibition.
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On Friday, November 14, Murray River Art will bring its fifth pop-up gallery to the hotel, showcasing the works of Anna Walsh and Cindy-Lee Pedrana.
Having worked as a textile designer for various brands in Melbourne, Ms Walsh has since returned to her home town of Echuca-Moama with her young family.
During COVID-19 restrictions, she found herself painting more in her spare time, and her practice has continued to grow.
She now runs a successful Instagram account and website where she sells her unique works that often depict native florals in earthen colourways.
Ms Walsh has found herself surrounded by inspiration during spring, which she documents for her art.
Anna Walsh divides her time between painting and caring for her children.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“Everywhere I go, I take heaps of photos. My phone is basically just my kids and flowers,” she said.
“Then I do a lot of sketching, and then decide from my sketchbook what I then want to take on to the canvas.”
Ms Pedrana is an art teacher at Moama Anglican Grammar School, and recently marked her 20th year as an educator.
After taking a hiatus from painting due to work and life stressors, she picked up the brush again around five years ago, coinciding with her move to the area.
Like her co-exhibitor, Ms Pedrana’s creativity is linked to the local landscape, which she depicts with expressive strokes in muted pastel colours.
Cindy Lee Pedrana has been in a painting frenzy since moving to Echuca-Moama.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“The beautiful things that we have around here, that flows into my painting perfectly,” she said.
“I started a little bit, and now it just is pouring out of me, and I can’t stop painting.”
In a curious twist of fate, Murray River Art director Alan Davidson has a connection with both artists through MAGS, where he met fellow teacher Ms Pedrana, and saw Ms Walsh graduate as part of the first Year 12 cohort.
Both artists admitted they were a little nervous about the exhibition, but were also excited to show their work in an interactive setting.
“It’s hard because, what we paint, it’s kind of like a little piece of you,” Ms Pedrana said.
Ms Walsh will have 12 pieces on display, and Ms Pedrana will contribute around 25, with all works from each available to purchase.
The opening night on Friday will begin at 6pm, and the exhibition will run until Sunday, November 16.
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