Stronger Together — and Still Glowing
The STRONGER TOGETHER Team
I wrote this just over a week after our exhibition Stronger Together closed, and we couldn’t have been happier. I can safely say were were still basking in the joy of its success.
To everyone who came — especially those who traveled long distances — and to those who supported us from afar, thank you. Your encouragement meant more than you know.
Opening night was one of those classic, golden summer evenings overlooking Koombana Bay. We held two openings — one for family and close friends, and another for the wider community. My husband Rob Manning gave a beautiful introduction, and our mentor Paula Silbert officially opened the exhibition with an address that was both thoughtful and meaningful. We were also honoured to have local parliamentary representatives Ben Small and Jodie Hanns in attendance, which added to the significance of the occasion.
Many people commented on how seamlessly the exhibition flowed through the themes — Inland, Ocean and Bushland — and between the three artists and our different mediums. Interestingly, curating felt surprisingly intuitive. It seemed as though each piece quietly told us where it wanted to be.
If you missed seeing the exhibition or you want another look here’s a short walk through video.
We couldn’t have done it without our wonderful helpers who kept everything running while the three of us floated about greeting and chatting. My daughter Shae managed sales with impressive efficiency; friends Barb and Murray served drinks with flair; and my brother-in-law Bryce handled crowd control. Catherine and Heather were equally supported by their generous friends and family. It truly was a community effort.
Sales were strong on opening night and continued steadily throughout the two-week exhibition. Catherine, Heather and I held artist talks on both weekends, and I was surprised (and relieved!) to find myself feeling relaxed and genuinely enjoying speaking about our journey and my work.
In hindsight, we think the exhibition could have run even longer. Positioned on the foreshore between a café and a restaurant, the Val Anne Community Space welcomed many spontaneous visitors and curious passers-by.
It was especially heartening that all three of us experienced similar success in sales and received such positive feedback about both our individual work and the collaborative vision.
And the exhibition continues to give. Our collaborative piece has been invited to the beautiful Boranup Gallery in the Margaret River region. The three of us made a quick 140km dash to install it before the long weekend. The new owner, Peter Kalbfell, has also selected additional works from each of us for display. We now have gallery representation — something we are incredibly excited about.
We are deeply grateful to Alice and Paul for their generosity in making the Val Anne Community Space available to local artists. Our guest book is filled with pages of heartfelt comments. The collaboration was not only visually cohesive but personally enriching — an affirming and meaningful experience for us all.
On a deeply personal note, one of the greatest gifts of this exhibition has been the friendship that has grown between Catherine Meads, Heather Elliott-Smith and myself. We knew each other only slightly when we began this journey; now I feel we share a strong and lasting bond. I’m so grateful we each took that leap of faith. We truly are stronger together.
Where to from here?
After weeks out of the studio, I’m more than ready to paint again. I had enrolled in a course with Louise Fletcher called Momentum, and I found myself well behind. Over the past few days I’ve been reconnecting with the material, and I’m now fully immersed and excited about what I’m learning. My hope is that this work will lead into a new series — perhaps even a solo exhibition in the not-too-distant future.
I’m also participating in The 100 Day Project, committing to create something every day for 100 days. I’ve chosen to draw or paint a portrait daily — an area I’ve long wanted to explore more deeply. I’m looking forward to seeing how much growth happens over these 100 days.
Art travel is also on the horizon. In July I’ll be heading to Tasmania for a workshop (yes — I know it will be freezing!). And later, an art retreat in Hydra, Greece — once home to my idol, Leonard Cohen. That feels rather special.
My studio will again be open as part of the Dardanup Art Spectacular and Trail. I would love to see some of you there — whether you came to the exhibition or missed it. There will be new works, smaller pieces and cards available. Shae will also be there with her beautiful pottery.
If you’ve made it this far — thank you. I so appreciate you being part of this journey, and I look forward to seeing you in person or hearing from you soon.
Warmly,
Diana