About Seascape and Beyond Art Exhibition
Seascape and Beyond Art Exhibition is held annually at Merewether Surf Life Saving Club (MSLSC) function room on the best east coast beach in Newcastle, Australia.
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
The Seascape and Beyond Art Exhibition is approaching its fourth year in 2013 as a community and professional artists' exhibition, raising funds for beyondblue: the national depression initiative which is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation. Also, for 2013 we have pledged $5,000 to the University of Newcastle to create an Honours Scholarship in Mental Health Research – Suicide Prevention.
The art exhibition and fundraiser focuses on the first priority of beyondblue ...
“Increasing community awareness of depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders and addressing associated stigma”.
Merewether Beach annually plays host to the international Surfest challenge. Locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the view, surf, friendship and a good cup of coffee.
In 2009 my family was touched by the tragedy of one of my daughter’s dearest friend’s suicide. In response, the Seascape and Beyond art exhibition is dedicated to Kavitha and our community’s friends and loved ones who have been lost to, or are affected by, this insidious illness – depression and suicide.
The Seascape and Beyond Art Exhibition is an expression of hope and healing through art. All works in all mediums are for sale. The first exhibition in April 2010 hosted 27 local artists. Opening night drew a capacity crowd thanks to the generous support of the local community and the Merewether Surf Life Saving Club. In April 2011 the salon style Seascape and Beyond art exhibition attracted 55 artists from Sydney and the Hunter Region. Professor Trevor Waring, Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, opened the exhibition, leaving the audience in no doubt about the need for support and research into depression.
In April 2012 the exhibition showcased 74 exhibitors and raised $10,000 as a collaboration between interested friends who recognised the benefits of encouraging artists and the wider community to support our efforts to help unlock the door to HOW we can stop depression impeding society.
Hopefully, one day the Seascape and Beyond Art Exhibition will be part of the key to that door.
Juliet Clark
Organiser