A little bit of Murrurundi currently stands proud in an art exhibition at The Rocks in Sydney to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Sheep.
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Talented local artists and great friends Fran Wachtel and Charlotte Drake-Brockman have been holding exhibitions together for more than a decade, but this is the first time they’ve taken their iconic sheep to the big smoke.
The ladies handmade tin sheep cut-outs feature in a collective member exhibition – ‘Sheepshape’ – alongside Denise Lithgow’s felt work and Pauline Ryan’s ceramics.
The ladies were invited to display their recycled metal masterpieces in the craft exhibition run by Craft NSW to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Sheep.
The quirky duo have been working together in Murrurundi for about 12 years when they first combined their talents to create the sheep cut-outs positioned at the gateways to Murrurundi.
Together they operate ‘The Chicken in the Window’ where they exhibit and sell their works, which includes everything from three dimensional animals to thongs, fascinators, handbags and birds made out of recycled tins.
They are the creators of many items of community displays including the piece outside Dooley’s Store in Murrurundi, the mural at the doctor’s surgery, soccer player figurines at Murrurundi Public School, a climbing wall at Blandford Public School, a welcome sign at St Mary’s Primary School in Scone and a large mural at the Merriwa Welcoming Centre.
Other exhibitions they are proud of include a ‘Recycled Sheds of the Upper Hunter’ showcase at Muswellbrook Regional Art Centre, and others at the Maitland Art Gallery, Newcastle, Ballina, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Brisbane and Murrurundi.
Ms Drake-Brockman said although they have held many exhibitions together, this was the first time to take their tin to the city.
“We are delighted to have our work exhibited in Sydney.
“It’s lovely to have worked together for 12 years and still be great friends and laughing at each other’s jokes,” she said.
Ms Wachtel said they really enjoy making things out of old tin and wares, as it is a great process that allows them to take their time and let the piece take on a life of its own.
The works will be on display until March 1.