Quirky styles in the art mix

An eclectic handful of artists will display their quirky, whimsical works at Drysdale’s Springvale Community Centre next month.
Former interior designer Beryl Stott is one the Eclectics Art Show’s regulars and is back again this year.
“It’s a chance to see and be seen,” she said.
“Hundreds of people come in from the coffee shop next door.”
The Portarlington resident will display a number of vibrant, colourful paintings and sculptures in the exhibition.
She has been painting her whole life but only took up sculpting six years ago.
“I was absolutely hooked from day one,” she said.
“Now I’ve retired I can concentrate on it fulltime.”
For Beryl nothing compares to the joy of creating art from a lump of clay.
“They sort of evolve and take on personalities of their own,” she said.
“When I sculpt their eyes they sort of whisper their names to me.”
Last year Beryl studied her art in Skopelos, an island in the home of modern sculpture, Greece.
Since then she has built a portfolio of works at her home studio.
“Artists tend to be pretty solitary people,” she said.
“All of a sudden you realise you’ve got a studio full of things to get out there.”
This year’s theme for the exhibition, Coasting Along, celebrates the Bellarine’s beaches.
“This allows us quite a bit of leeway,” Beryl said.
“I believe there is even a painting of someone on a magic carpet, which would indeed be coasting along.”
The exhibition will include a range of different works – even those of a “botanical artist”. It runs from 31 December to 14 January.
Entry is a gold coin donation and much of the artwork will be up for sale, too.
“Drop in and say hi,” Beryl said.
“But be careful, you just may find something you can’t live without – and won’t find anywhere else either.”