Mid Lachlan Landcare

Fine Art Fungi - community art exhibition

Fine Art Fungi (FAF) was an inclusive and uplifting art exhibition illustrating the importance of fungi. It was part of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services (CTLLS) and Central Tablelands Regional Landcare (CTRL) Mycology May program.

Community Participation - LP015-008

The issue

There was a need in the Cowra/Canowindra MLL community to;

  • support and expand participation in Central Tablelands Local Land Services and Central Tablelands Landcare Mycology May
  • educate new community members about the functions of fungi.
  • support the launch of visiting fungi expert, Alison Pouliot’s book, Underground Lovers.

The solution

Using the unique properties of fungi as a theme, MidLachlan Landcare Coordinator, Trudi Refshauge rallied individual district artists, the art community living in the Rosnay and Canowindra precinct and local art teachers, Catherine Bennett and Rebecca Dowling, to create an exhibition. Catherine Bennett’s art groups comprised Weigelli (Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre) Art Group and the Cowra Neighbourhood Centre Art Group. Rebecca Dowling gathered support from the ceramicists associated with her Cowra-based ceramics studio. By opening night, FAF attracted over 50 community artists and artworks (from Newbridge to Canowindra, Cowra to Boorowa), illustrating various functions of fungi, into one art exhibition, at the wine cellar art space at Rosnay, Canowindra.

The impact

Fine Art Fungi has been an inclusive event, attracting urban and rural, youthful and elderly, indigenous and non-indigenous, artistic and scientific citizens, willing to learn and portray messages about fungi. Opening night was a sell-out, catering to a capacity crowd. All participants expressed a newfound interest in fungi and the work of Alison Pouliot. 

It directly resulted in an increased interest and participation in events relating to Mycology May.

An unexpected outcome was to have so many artists gain enormous satisfaction and confidence in both exhibiting and selling their art for the first time. It was wonderful to offer members of the community this opportunity.

Author: Tracee Burke

Key facts

  • attracted new members to Mid Lachlan Landcare
  • increased Mycology May event participation.
  • attracted urban and rural people.
  • indigenous and non-indigenous community members.
  • many artists exhibited and sold work for the first time.
  • attracted newspaper stories and ABC radio interviews.