Hallidays Point artist Fred Bullen held his first exhibition in Gloucester earlier this year and he’s about to come back for more.
But this time, he intends to donate a portion of his sales to help Australian farmers struggling with drought.
The former Sydneysider returned to his childhood love of painting after retiring and moving to the Mid North Coast.
He’s a member of five different art societies around the region, which sees him take part in group exhibitions as well as annual regional shows.
He held is Gloucester exhibition, solo, in the Gloucester Gallery during July and August, and now he’ll be returning to town to display some of his works in Perenti Cafe.
Fred was first attracted to Gloucester after visiting the town prior to moving to the region. While in town, the Gloucester Gallery caught his eye.
“Although it’s not purpose built, it’s a great display space,” Fred said. “Four walls with nothing in the middle to trip on.”
During the exhibition, he patronised Perenti Cafe and while he was there, he noticed the display of local artwork for sale on the walls.
While he was in town on Saturday August 4, June’s Place and the Gloucester Lions Club were holding a fundraising barbecue for the ‘Need for Feed’ project, which buys hay for farmers.
On the spot, he offered to donate 10 per cent of any of his paintings sold that day to the cause.
“So I made a donation,” he said.
This inspired him to keep on giving, offering to donate 20 per cent of his works sold from Perenti to the same cause.
“People who live on the coast where there’s no sign of drought whatsoever need to be mindful of what’s happening inland,” Fred explained. “And being mindful, is doing something about it.”
On Saturday November 3, Fred’s work will be hung in Perenti and among the eight paintings will be one inspired by Gloucester.
It’s a reproduction of a photo his friend took during the drive between Krambach and Gloucester four years ago.
During a recent trip to Gloucester, Fred was on the look out for the location, asking everyone if they recognised the spot.
The painting, ‘Towards Gloucester’, won the Viewer Choice Award at the Great Lakes Art Society Members Exhibition held in September.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
