For the animals: Jay Benger with one of her photographs to benefit Jirrahlinga.
ERIN PEARSON
NEWTOWN photographer Jay Benger felt like two worlds collided while reading the Independent in July.
A story about fire devastating a Barwon Heads animal sanctuary shocked the wildlife and nature photographer into action.
She rallied the troops for an art exhibition to raise funds for Jirrahlinga to rebuild its koala hospital.
Seven months later Ms Benger is ready to launch the gallery presentation next month.
She vowed to donate all funds from the sale of the exhibition’s artworks to Jirrahlinga.
“I saw the article in the paper and thought the incident was horrendous,” she said.
“When I read what happened it completely broke my heart. I couldn’t just sit back and not help.”
Ms Benger said Jirrahlinga was one of the first places she visited in Australia after arriving from England before settling in Geelong.
“I’ve been there many times since and knew they really needed some help after the fire,” she said.
“The fundraiser started off as just an exhibition of my works but has now grown to house seven artists so we can give as much as we can.
“There will be photography, paintings, sculptures, print making and drawings available on the night.”
Ms Benger said wildlife was often an inspiration for photographers.
“Australia is such a beautiful canvas, so there’s almost on obligation to capture the world the way it is because it’s always changing.
“For me the natural world is the most breathtaking thing.”
Ms Benger asked arts patrons to attend the exhibition.
“Come down and see what we have put together.”
The exhibition will be from from April 5 to 30 at Karingallery, James St, Geelong.
