GLOUCESTER local Lee Meehan has always had both a passion for art and a deep concern about those who are homeless or struggling.
In organising the current art exhibition at Gloucester’s MidTown Gallery, she has combined both.
Entitled ‘Escaping the Bedlam’, the exhibition showcases the paintings of prominent Mid Coast artist Susan ‘Shea’ Nicholas, with the aim of raising much-needed funds for Sydney’s Wayside Chapel.
Why the Wayside Chapel?
“It’s a tough world, and it’s getting tougher,” said Meehan.
“Whenever I have an opportunity to do something good, and to help people less fortunate, I’ll do it.
“You walk through the Wayside door, and help is immediate – whether you need a meal, someone to talk to, a bed for the night, or housing.
“Their slogan is ‘Love Over Hate’: It’s a wonderful cause.”
Wayside Chapel is the enduring legacy of Ted Noffs.
“At Wayside, we live on the intersection between love and hate, faith and no faith, the haves and the have-nots, the housed and the homeless, the sick and the well,” its website explains.
“We want to live at this junction in a way that helps love prevail.”
When Meehan raised the idea of the exhibition with the artist, she received an immediate, positive response. When gallery owner Peter Gowans offered the gallery space at no cost, she decided to proceed.
Nicholas’ paintings will be on display and on sale until 7 November, with 35 per cent of sale proceeds going to the Wayside Chapel.
Those attending the gallery will also have the opportunity to buy a $5 raffle ticket with a chance to win an original Shea Nicholas painting, with raffle proceeds also being donated.
Meehan is not only working on the exhibition project.
On 21 November, she’ll take part in the Three Peaks Challenge to raise more money for the Wayside Chapel.
The challenge involves a tough 22km, one-day trek over three of Australia’s highest peaks, including Mt Kosciusko.
That’s going above and beyond.
Details at https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/waysidechapel-threepeaksnsw-2026/
By John WATTS
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