The day before her birthday, Quilpie's well-known artist Lyn Barnes broke with tradition and shared images from her earlier life in the Maranoa with guests at her now-annual Ekka art show opening.
Held at Graydon Gallery in New Farm on a stormy Wednesday evening, the new grandmother told friends and art lovers that while she was known for painting the semi-desert landscapes of the far west, she had never tried painting the farming country further in.
"I come from Wallumbilla and I thought, if I don't paint my home area, who knows what could happen down the track," she said. "Quilpie is my home but Wallumbilla has a special place for me."
Another well-known identity from the region, former Premier Russell Cooper picked out the Federal Hotel artwork for special attention when he opened the exhibition, adding that he welcomed the chance to tell people about the attributes of the town of 300 where his children went to school.
"I've been there since 1962 and it's Cow Town to me, and to ex-Wallaby Charlie Frith.
"It's a very strong town, definitely not shrinking.
"If you've got any feeling for the west, you've come to the right place tonight."
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
