Art Through the Ages returns for nursery fundraiser

After a break of more than 10 years, local artist and art teacher Janice Timmins will once again present her ‘Art Through the Ages Show’ at the Traralgon Neighbourhood House in support of the Special Care Nursery at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH).

Janice is a keen supporter of community causes after migrating to Morwell in the 1960s with her parents and eight siblings.

“The generosity shown to us when we arrived. There would be boxes of vegetables on the doorstep, homemade cakes, all placed there by neighbours welcoming us to the area and providing a bit of extra support to my mum and dad.”

That generosity coupled with the loss of her son John to meningococcal virus as a 13-year-old has fuelled a lifetime of support and donating to LRH and its predecessor, the Central Gippsland Hospital in Traralgon.

“Because John died when he was 13, he didn’t leave a legacy, he didn’t leave anything behind. We wanted people to remember him, so that’s why we started the art show in memory of John James Timmins,” Janice said.

The ‘Art Through the Ages Show,’ returns on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 of October and features art from many of Janice’s students.

“We’ll have more than 300 art works on display, the majority of which will be for sale,” Janice said.

“We always promote my students’ work rather than my own. The hope being that someone without a history of painting will see their work hung on a wall in a show and maybe achieve a sale too, which is always a thrill.”

Janice is modest about how much the event will raise but all proceeds will go to the Special Care Nursery at LRH.

“It’s only a small amount, but everything will go to the Special Care Nursery, it always has. Over the years we’ve raised $25,000,” Janice said.

The Art Through the Ages Show will be opened by Latrobe City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dan Clancey at the Traralgon Neighbourhood House, Breed Street Traralgon on Friday 20 October  at 7pm with wine, soft drinks and supper available.

The show will continue on Saturday 21 October between 10am and 3pm where there will also be hand-made art and crafts available for purchase.