Successful Pop Up Art fundraising event brings together the Hawkesbury’s top creatives

Back in 2013 when Macquarie MP Susan Templeman’s home burnt down during devastating bushfires, many people helped with the recovery and among them – while they might not hold a hose, or a drill, or even a welding tool – local creatives played their part too in the recovery, donating paintings for the walls of the rebuilt house, in a move the MP said was deeply appreciated and clearly a beautiful gesture.

This last weekend, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains creatives – artists, photographers and musicians – got together again, this time to raise funds to help with Ms Templeman’s Federal re-election campaign in the country’s most marginal seat. The Creatives for Susan art sale had strong community support and was held in the grounds of Richmond’s Bank Bazaar. Ms Templeman is a known keen supporter of the arts, and creatives from the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains responded by donating their work and time. On offer were paintings, ceramics, prints, photography, artisan handbags, and even some music.

Well known local artists Greg Hansell and John Fitzgibbon donated artwork and were at Bank Bazaar throughout the day.

Leading artists John Fitzgibbon (left) and Greg Hansell at the event this weekend Other artists included Leanne Jones, Jenny Lloyd and Gail Reynolds, and the trio were also involved in the organisation of the event. Gail’s mum Deidre Ryan donated several of her paintings too.

Two of our well known local photographers, Paul Caleo, who readers will know as one of Hawkesbury Post’s regular contributors, and Sharyn Simmich, both contributed their beautiful photographs of wildlife and scenery in the Hawkesbury area. And it wasn’t just art and photo. Bands The Willing Ponies, and Crow Mountain, plus solo artist Mark Lucas, entertained the crowd who were treated to Blue Grass and folk music for the day. Recently married couple Terrie Agnew and John Lee also sang a number or two. “Our community is so fortunate to be home to many creatives, and I will always fight for what our local artists need, particularly during crises like the Covid pandemic,” Ms Templeman said.

MP Templeman – ‘humbled’ to see the donated art

“It was humbling to see the magnificent and varied art kindly donated by so many artists, and be entertained by fabulous musicians, and I thank them for their generosity. “I was also very grateful to the new owner of the Bank Bazaar for allowing us to gather in the beautiful outdoor area. “It’s not the first time I’ve felt overwhelmed by the generosity of artists – when my house burnt down, around a dozen Hawkesbury artists gave me paintings for my walls, which was a deeply appreciated gesture.”

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