Monday, October 12, 2009

Barry Dickins in Ararat


Above (l to r): Peter Waterman, Barry Dickins and Evelyn Curley

We were very honoured to welcome writer and visual artist Barry Dickins to the Gallery on Monday 12 October 2009. Barry is a regular visitor to the Grampians region where he teaches special sessions to primary students at a cluster of local rural schools. We are very grateful to Barry for agreeing to present a talk during his current visit to the region.

Barry spoke of his memories of growing up in Melbourne's northern suburbs and discussed the influences that set him on the path to becoming an artist and writer. He also discussed his recovery from depression, which he has written about in the recently published book, Unparalleled Sorrow. Even when speaking about depression, Barry's warmth and humour shone through. His talk inspired many questions and good humoured banter with the audience that is testament to his gift as a communicator.

Thank you to Maroona Primary School Principal Peter Waterman for arranging Barry's visit to the Gallery, and Ararat Library librarian Evelyn Curley for co-presenting Barry's talk and promoting it through her networks.