Port Stephens Community Arts Centre hosts Modern Contemporary Art and Photography exhibition

THE Port Stephens Community Arts Centre is now hosting the exhibition, “Modern Contemporary Art and Photography”.

Featuring local artists, it aims to challenge the public through bold, abstract, and provocative installations across a wide variety of different mediums.

These include painting, photography, mosaics, craft, pottery, woodworking, cardmaking, and even bonsai.

The subjects are just as diverse, ranging from depictions of the beautiful sights of the local area to completely abstract landscapes.

Among the many pieces by members of the community are the works of Elena Leong.

An expert in both traditional and digital art, Leong’s pieces consist of beautiful and sometimes humorous stylised paintings of birds and bonsai trees.

Leong also designed the centre’s logo.

Featuring a brush, a needle, a vase, and pruning shears, it celebrates the different types of art that the centre brings together.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the pottery of Milja Philippson, who moved to Port Stephens from Amsterdam in 1988.

Her works show an experimental and colourful style developed over many years, with intricate designs showcasing high skill and precision.

Jane Parker, Centre Secretary, said her wish is to provide a lively hub and meeting space for discussion.

“We have a lot of different groups here, and as a result we also have a lot of different views”.

The Centre, which used to be a hospital, holds sentimental value for the community.

“Many of our community members were actually born here,” Jane said.

“And before that, the building was used for army training. So this is our third iteration”.

The Modern Contemporary Art and Photography exhibition will run until 1 April.

Works will then be moved to different rooms to make space for future exhibitions, but will still be available for viewing.

By Nico LOMBARDO