Grampians Wildlife Arts Society

President

Glenda Lewin

‘I grew up with my family spending each weekend exploring the Grampians, looking for orchids and learning about its unique flora and fauna. Returning to Australia after 20 years in Europe, it seemed the ‘right fit’ for me to assist Peter in his vision of creating a gallery in this region to house an Australian wildlife art collection. Through my network of Artists and Art Historian friends, I have developed a passion for Art – and have now built an Artist in Residence studio on our property at Stawell. – aptly titled ‘Inspired by Australia.’ I have also recently become a member of the Jallukar Landcare Group as this seems the perfect compliment to our Grampians Wildlife Arts Society.’

Vice President

Don Calvert

Don Calvert owns the Mountain Grand Guest House in Halls Gap. ‘I am passionate about the Arts and making it more accessible to visitors to the Grampians as well as to our local communities. Each weekend, we present live Jazz at the Guest House. I want to to help achieve the formation of Australia’s first Wildlife art gallery here in the Grampians.’

Secretary

Josephine Illig

Josephine has a business background. She immigrated to Australia 4 years ago from the Netherlands and currently commutes to Mumbai, India as a consultant.

Jo grew up in the heart of the Grampian Highlands in Scotland. Her father, Joseph McKenzie is a renowned, black/white Scottish Photographer focussing on local flora and fauna in addition to capturing the social history of Scotland.

“ My father inspired me to appreciate the finer details, beauty and simplicity of our natural surroundings.’

In her limited spare time, Jo is an artist who loves to work with colour and texture.
She thoroughly enjoyed participating in Ego Guiotto’s Gouache workshop in Halls Gap in 2011.
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Treasurer

Michelle Wood

‘My professional background is in the public health area working in local government. Having spent much of my time growing up and subsequently working in the Westernport Bay area of the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne’s playground, I realised how under threat our environment and wildlife was becoming. I became a founding member of FOLKLAW (Friends of Local Koalas, Land and Wildlife) based in Somers where we engaged with schools and community advocating the local environment and habitat for wildlife. I had a ‘tree change’ 10 years ago and relocated to the Grampians Region where I have continued to pursue my passion for nature. In addition to my involvement with GWAS, I am a licensed Wildlife Foster Carer of injured and orphaned wildlife. My hobbies in life include painting and drawing, nature photography as well as making music.’

Board Member

Ingrid Rudolph

Practicing artist now in living in Halls Gap, Victoria. I am originally from Tasmania. My experiences include nursing, running a motel and restaurant, extensive travel throughout Australia, managing a general store, wife and mother, professional quilter. For the last 4 years I have been painting realistic portraits of people, animals & plants with oils, pastels and air-brush inks.

Board Member

Ena Graham

Since moving to the Grampians area sixteen years ago I have concentrated on painting Australian Natïve Plants .

The range of flowers in the wild and our own acreage is a never ending delight and inspiration. Who would want for more!

Board Member

Monique Cummings

After many years experience in the corporate world and on a four day break to the Grampians region in June 2008, what Monique found there inspired her so, that when a business opportunity presented itself, Monique and her husband Colin, moved to Halls Gap permanently. The business, Grampians Adventure Golf, had showroom space previously occupied by a potter and thus lent itself perfectly to an Art Gallery. After researching its merits within the local community, and renewing the showroom, MOCO Gallery opened in February 2009 showcasing wonderfully colourful works by talented, award winning local artists.

MOCO Gallery holds exhibitions, and facilitates art classes for enthusiastic potential artists. During special events, such as the popular Grampians Arts Trail over Easter, demonstrations are conducted by the local artists as they participate in MOCO’s Artist-in-Residence scheme.
Monique has a strong passion and interest for art and in supporting local artists. She is the secretary of Halls Gap Tourism inc. and is very much aware of the growing positive impact the Gallery has in providing welcome opportunity for visitors to Halls Gap to view art where there was previously no dedicated permanent space.

Board Member

Jillian Gough

I am a relatively recent newcomer to Stawell, after leaving Adelaide 5 years ago.
My growing interest in the conservation of the Grampians unique fauna and flora was sparked by my participation in last year’s GWAS Festival. I enjoyed the opportunity to workshop with the inspiring Australian and International Wildlife Artist Chris McClelland. Chris’s passion and commitment to our unique and fragile environment, along with his sharing of skills, has had a profound impact on me.
Being a member of GWAS is a way I can contribute to the ongoing work of conserving our natural history.
GWAS provides artists, both experienced and not-so-experienced with the opportunity to share and enhance their skills and to discover new insights into our unique environment.