‘U3A Creates’ will be at Artisan on Lewis until Saturday, June 30 (except Mondays and Tuesdays).

In officially opening the exhibition, presenter Thelma Beechey applauded the artists for having the “courage” to show their works publicly.

“Artists pursuits can be frightening for some when it comes to exhibiting their work and I feel that encouragement is as important as teaching,” she said.

“Also a teacher can’t do it for you, it’s too personal, you must keep trying and enjoy it. I am very happy that so many U3A members, from four classes, had the courage to exhibit and I hope that they’ll continue to do so in future.”

Mudgee District U3A president, Judith Darling, said the exhibition also celebrates two decades of the University of the Third Age in the region, which offers low cost quality life-long learning for seniors.

 And acknowledged those that made the U3A Creates possible.

“As we celebrate our 20^th anniversary I would like to acknowledge the art and craft presenters, past and present, who have shared their skills and knowledge with our U3A members over the years,” she said.

“This exhibition showcases the artistic skills of our current members, many of whom are exhibiting for the first time. Which is quite a major step putting it out there for other people to look at.

“A sincere thanks to the presenters, who not only share their skills but give up their time, there’s; Thelma Beechey, painting with watercolours; Peg Farthing, folk art; Marianne Matthews, lino printing and working with colour pencils; Jacqui Price and Carrol Wall, material crafts; and Heather Rushton, photography.

“And thanks to Gabrielle Leonard [host, Artisan on Lewis] who has given us a lot of her time and ‘tweaked’ the exhibition. Finally, I thank and applaud all of our artists who are exhibiting.”