The pre-loved art exhibition will be the first event organised by the group, the Northern Midlands Events Association – or NorMiE – and will take place over three days this week at the Longford Memorial Hall.

Art lovers have been scouring through their collections and treasures ahead of the event, said Gordon WIlliams, executive officer of the Northern Midlands Business Association.

“I guess this sort of came around – as a lot of things happen – from conversations between people where they’ve said, ‘I cleaned out Aunty Doris’ house the other day and found this landscape by such and such … or this piece of jewellery I didn’t know existed,” Mr Williams said.

“What we’re doing is trying to combine the opportunity for people to sell their unearthed treasures of art works and also make some money for the community and also themselves.”

The preloved art exhibition will be launched with a Valentines Day cocktail launch party held on Thursday, February 14 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The cost is $25 per person, with bookings essential. 

Remaining art sales and the public exhibition will run both Friday, February 15 and Saturday, February 16 from 10am to 4pm.

NorMiE is a not-for-profit group run by volunteers with experience in marketing, events, logistics, law and insurance.

The association will provide a supportive base for community groups to take their ideas and events to – along with public liability insurance, something Mr Williams said is a big barrier to many community groups.

NorMiE chairman, Ian Goninon, said group would provide a focal point for key events and support for other events put forward by businesses and the Northern Midlands community.

“The aim of NorMiE as the coordinating body, will be to hold more and better events to attract and retain visitors throughout the year across the Northern Midlands,” Mr Goninon added.

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