Mont De Lancey will be launching into spring with a first-of-its-kind event for the historical homestead, putting the magnificent grounds on show.
Artists of all kinds are invited to join the Plein Air Art Painting Day on Saturday 6 September to sketch, paint and even photograph Mont De Lancey’s buildings and landscapes.
Describing it as “a painting open day”, Mont De Lancey president Jill Sebire said it’s something new for the historical landmark, inspired by artist-in-residence Donna Legg’s bi-weekly painting group in the gallery.
“I found people coming into the gallery and showing interest in the art, which turns out that some of them would like to paint, but work or whatever, and couldn’t join the group that we have,” Ms Legg said.
“Somehow I just came up with the idea of, let’s get the community together, let’s make it so that it’s not just for people who know what they’re doing, but people who would like to do it in a very casual environment where they’re encouraged to have a go.”
Ms Legg said not to mention that the scenery of Mont De Lancey serves as inspiration at every corner, with the smallest details triggering artistic beauty.
Aside from being able to use the facilities for inspiration, Ms Sebire said everything will be open for exploration, with a reduced entry price for other visitors.
The artists will be required to bring their own supplies for the day, and are encouraged to either bring a picnic or purchase something from the Two Peas cafe.
The day will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm, with artists able to spend as much time in the grounds as they please.
Somewhat desperate for visitors to the Wandin North property, Ms Sebire said, with so many artists across the Yarra Ranges, she hopes this will bring them in to enjoy and experience what Mont De Lancey has to offer.
All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly into maintaining and running Mont De Lancey.
There’s hope that if successful, another art day can be put on the agenda.
“I realised that so many people have never been here before. I realised that so many people have an interest in art who have never tried before. So let’s combine both and get it out there, and if it’s successful, it can happen again,” Ms Legg said.
The painting day is designed to be an extension of the Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning painting group sessions, something Ms Legg said is “a group of people who just come along, are like-minded and who are developing friendships”.
“We learn from each other. We’re all learning different things. It’s just so much fun. We have a great time,” she said.
“We have the privilege of having an art teacher in our art group, Dorothy McVay, known for her paintings of the Yarra Valley for the past 42 years.”
Able to host 10 people in each group, the Wednesday session has five positions available, while the Friday session only has room for one more.
While there will be no formal art instruction, Ms Legg said advice and guidance from others will be given.
To book a spot, visit: montdelancey.org.au/event/plein-air-art-painting-day-202509/
