A fusion of CFA brigade members and artists are transforming the Hilldene Fire station into a gallery for their annual and popular fundraising event across the Easter long weekend.
There will be in the region of one hundred artworks to see by 15 amazing local artists displaying their best sculptures and paintings with mediums including oil, watercolour, pastel and mixed media. 15 per cent of sales will be donated to the Hilldene CFA.
CFA Board Member Dawn Hartog will officially open the exhibition on Thursday evening.
Coordinator and 2025 Mitchell Shire artist of the year Lynda Robinson said the exhibition is a community event with a history.
“In the past Art4CFA has been held at Trawool, Whiteheads Creek, Tallarook, and Glenaroua fire stations. The host brigade is responsible for organising the show,” she said.
“Art4CFA was the brainchild of former Trawool Communications Officer Lee Stephenson who has now sadly passed.
“Lee was a talented painter, author, environmentalist and valued friend and colleague to many. The most outstanding work will receive the Lee Stephenson Award, and a monetary sum donated on behalf of the Stephenson family.”
A popular aspect of the show is the Artists’ Challenge, where each artist is given the same reference photo to work from for interpretation in any way they desire.
“This always makes for interesting discussion.”
Ms Robinson hopes visitors will appreciate the inner workings of a small, rural fire station.
“Come and see a shed, which is normally used to house a brigade tanker, transformed into an art gallery,” Ms Robinson added.
A raffle is organised with a pastel painting for first prize and a delicious Easter basket for second prize, and wine from the esteemed Brave Goose Vineyard in Trawool for third prize.
Opening night will be held on Thursday, April 17 from 6.30pm to 9pm with the brigade providing delicious refreshments at 470 Seymour-Tooborac Road, Hilldene.
Across the long weekend the exhibition will be open Friday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4pm, and on Monday from 10am to 1pm when the raffle will be drawn and the winner of the Lee Stephenson Award announced.
Entry is by gold coin donation. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/hilldenefirebrigade.
