By Kaz Thorpe, Arts Writer
How did a young girl from the agricultural village of Errol near Perth in Scotland, find herself director of the renowned regional gallery at Stanthorpe?
Creativity, music, singing and family get togethers were a constant in the home of the young Mary Findlay.
Her Mum was an artist and a musician, supported by an understanding husband, described by Mary as “a man before his time”. Mary notes that “everyone in the family could sing, except her”.
Yet, in a “culturally rich” but poor rural family a career in the arts was never an option.
In 1978, Mary immigrated to Australia with her former partner, grabbing an opportunity to study Drama, English, and Education at the University of Queensland. As an intern with the Zen Zen Zo Theatre Company, Mary studied lighting, sound, costume design, and performance.
After graduation, Mary worked at Bremer SHS and Everton Park SHS whilst still performing and training with Zen Zen Zo. Moving from Brisbane to Stanthorpe, she worked at Stanthorpe SHS where she taught many subjects including Art and Drama.
However, when Mary overheard at her yoga class that the directorship of the Stanthorpe Gallery was being advertised, she heard a voice in her head say “you must apply”. She did and the rest is history.
Mary would say being the director of the Stanthorpe Gallery was a “90 degree learning curve” for her. Yet, anyone who knows Mary would say she was perfect for the position. Her bubbly, enthusiastic and energetic personality is a shining beacon in the gallery.
Her experience working with production, costume and sound and lighting and volunteers is a bonus as well! Mary is also very humble and during the interview continually wanted to talk about others, rather than herself.
She is continually thankful to the colleagues, the seventy-one active gallery volunteers and the supportive management committee for making her time at the gallery such a success. It’s a well-oiled machine, as I witnessed at a recent exhibition installation.
Stanthorpe Gallery is the flagship of an artist community. Perhaps the culture of creativity has emerged from the sanatorium during the early part of the century where art helped heal bodies, minds, and the scars of the WW1, the rich Italian influence, and the spectacular geography of the Granite Belt region.
Mary reflects that from these seeds Stanthorpe has developed as a place that nurtures acceptance and inspiration.
In addition, Mary recounts how the public art in the town has served to “break down the walls of the gallery”, and literally take art into the streets. Stanthorpe’s public art epitomises their “culture, place and history.” She considers that “art brings communities together and breaks down barriers.”
“Art can transcend culture, differences and dis-ability”.
When asked about her own artistic practice Mary modestly tried to shy away from the question. She is active in her garden, knits, and sews. Creativity is also essential within her job.
She relates that when it’s her time, she will take the creativity out of her head to become the artist inside her, as she needs time to think and plan.
But in the meanwhile, she and her treasured team at Stanthorpe Gallery have more art to display, artists to nurture, community to inspire, and barriers to dispel.
