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Inspiration: Peace and Paint in the Gardens

Where do artists find their inspiration? The Botanic Gardens is a rich source for two Canberra artists in a new exhibition opening this weekend.

The Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens are presenting an exhibition featuring more than 50 paintings by well-known artists Janet Twigg-Patterson and Jan Vincent at the Gardens from 20-28 September.

Janet Twigg-Patterson is current President of the Wildlife and Botanical Artists of the ACT, and teaches Chinese and western painting. She creates stunningly beautiful paintings of Australian birds, animals and plants, and has held many previous exhibitions and won numerous prizes. Some of her artworks are held in the collection at Parliament House. The exhibition will also include some of her unusual Chinese-style scrolls. "My inspiration is always nature" Janet says. "Meditating in the Gardens and absorbing the chi (circle of life) inspires creativity and peace within, which allows me to approach my work spontaneously."

Jan Vincent is a water-colour artist who paints landscapes and flowers, and is a popular local art teacher. She was research editor of the Australian Artist magazine for a number of years until 1999, and in 2002 she co-founded Art in Miniature. Jan's works include special places in the Gardens, as well as studies of flowers and trees growing in the Gardens. In recent years she has concentrated on producing delicate and delightful miniature paintings.

All art works are for sale, and funds raised by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens will be used to support projects and activities at the Gardens.

The exhibition is open daily from Saturday 20 September until Sunday 28 September in the Banks Building at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain. Exhibition hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Contact the Visitor Centre on 6250 9540 (9.30am to 4.30pm daily) for further information.

Contact: Paul Ziesing
Communications Officer
(02) 6250 9546
0418 955 661
paul.ziesing@deh.gov.au

18 September 2003